Things to Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving - Part I

Thanksgiving is great time to toss away the things that bother us and stop focusing on the negative. It seems that we are all so busy (myself included!) trying to obtain new things and achieve new goals that we never really take the time to be grateful for the things we've accomplished and for the things that God has graced us with. In the United States we are so tremendously bless with the best of everything. This Thanksgiving take a look at what you have and thank God for it. We are truly blessed.

Here are the top things in my life that I am thankful. Maybe you'll see some similarities:
Health - I've had health conditions throughout my 33 years that were not fatal, but inconvenient and even debilitating. Now that I have those issues under control, I am thankful every day that I get up, feel good, and can accomplish what I want to. Remember, Thanksgiving is good time to say thanks for your good health, but you don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to thank God for it. Thank God today and everyday.

Food - Our country has an overabundance of food. We can pretty much go out any where and have access to any delicious concoction. My pantry is so full, I could make dinner from the food in there for several months. And my freezer - I don't even want to get into that! I am teased for stuffing it so much. Don't take it for granted. Be thankful. People in numerous other countries can't find enough food to eat for the day and many die everyday from starvation.

Clothes - Ok, it's ok to be thankful for those designer clothes and every color shoe imaginable lining your closet floor to match all your clothes. But what I am thankful for is just the mere fact that I even have clothes. Next time you toss your things on the floor without thinking, think twice and be thankful. My pastor told us of a congregation he visited in an underdevelopment nation where the people had no shoes and wore burlap sacks for clothes.

Family - Your family stays with you through thick and thin so be thankful for them. They are the few people in your life who truly will help you through trials and tribulations. I am an only child and I use to feel sorry for myself that I didn't have siblings. Now, even though it does still bother me a bit, I try to focus on being grateful for those family members I do have in my life. Although we don't realize it, there are many people who have no one and are lonely.

Friends - Friends have come and gone throughout my life. Some have moved, some decided to ditch me because they were jealous of my life, while others have stayed around through thick and thin. What I've learned is that friends are important for our mental health so be sure to put time into your friendships and be thankful for those friends who bless your life so richly. Even though we don't always realize it, friends provide a relaxing outlet for us, help us when in need, and shape the person that we become. Say thank you to all your friends and let them know how much you appreciate them.

Pets - I use to think people were over done with their pets until I got one of my own. Now I love my Holland lop rabbit, Tapper, so much that I think my family and friends think I am a bit crazy. He has more love, affection, and consideration than some people I know. Thank God for the furry little creature in your life and repay your gratitude by loving them as much as they love you.

Education - Be thankful for the education that we receive at all levels - from K-12 to college. In some underdeveloped countries, they have limited schooling if any. I have read there are some areas that are so poor that girls do not have enough money for essentials during their menstrual cycles preventing them from going to school. These limitations cause people to be uneducated leading to a more difficult life. Be thankful that we have more educational options in here America.

Housing - Mansions are popping up all over the place, even in middle class neighborhoods. Houses, depending on where you live, can now cost between $250,000 to millions of dollars. And this is the norm. In other parts of the world, people live in mud huts because they do not have the resources or the money to build stable housing. And astounding numbers of people are homeless, even right here in our country. Be grateful you have a roof over your head to protect you from the elements and try to stop complaining about all the repairs and upgrades it may need.

Water - the next time you brush your teeth make sure you turn off the water instead of letting it get lost down the drain forever. Many people in other countries do not have enough water and some, if they do have water, isn't sanitary to drink. Even in Europe water is considered precious and isn't consume as much as it is in the U.S. When I went to Spain, they gave us eight ice cubes for eight people - one per person. Be thankful we have an ample supply of water to do the different things we want to and need to.

Medical Care - Be grateful that we have such a great medical system that can perform so many amazing things that we never dream possible. Replacing a heart? That's pretty amazing and wouldn't be possible without the doctors and nurses that make stuff like that happen. Be should also be grateful for the variety of treatments that are available to us that weren't available in centuries past and still aren't in some countries. Because of this great medical care, we can live fuller, more productive lives because we are healthier and because we have things to help us medically.

Thank God today for all these wonderful things in our lives on Thanksgiving and everyday throughout the year. He'll be happy you did and will bless you even more! Happy Thanksgiving!