Through the Peaks and Valleys....Be Thankful!

This year has had its share of peaks and valleys. The valleys that occupied the first ten months of the year are starting to turn into peaks. During this time, I most definitely practiced patience and am thankful for that most important virtue.

The first four months of the year were a huge valley. I lost possessions, I lost my apartment and I lost my self-reliance due to the economy, depression, and poor decision-making skills. On May 1, I moved in with family members. Each day I count my blessings that my sister and brother-in-law have allowed me to live with them; I know I would be living on the streets if it were not for their kindness.

Companionship is a gift that I have been given this year and for that I am thankful. I have lived alone for so many years I couldn't imagine living with others. I only saw everything that I would have to give up. While family provides my companionship some nights, other evenings are filled with plans made with a friend, or I am scheduled to work. On some evenings I need some alone time and am very thankful to have that time available to me. Unlike before, I am much more likely to be thankful for that time.

However, I find that while building myself up and climbing out of the deep hole that I am in, my blessings are bountiful. I have not one, not two, but three jobs. One job is a summer seasonal position, another job is a winter holiday seasonal position, and the third job is a selling position. Many of the people I have met in each of these jobs have become friends and I am very thankful indeed. These people are kind, positive, encouraging, and cheerful; they are a blessing to my life.

I have also become more humble accepting people's help and asking for help when necessary. My self-confidence has been given a great boost by dealing with the public in all three of my jobs. My communication skills have improved, thanks to these jobs. As I look back at the year I realize I have been more resourceful than I have ever been. I am not gullible as before, I will question things not always taking them at face value. By doing this I am provided with an opportunity to grow. For this I am abundantly thankful.

The way I look at it is God has been good to me through the good and bad all year; he is not to be overlooked. In the past few months, I have been trying to build and improve my relationship with him. For my deliverance from the valleys this year, I am eternally thankful. Everything spiritual that has been revealed to me this year I am thankful for.

While it took so much time to walk through valleys to appreciate peaks, next year I hope to continue practicing these hard-earned lessons; being thankful for them and any thing else that may come my way.