I Am Thankful

I originally started to write a post on a completely different topic, and then I thought... No, I need to be more positive. I've been in a rather large slump in these past few months. I feel like this year has been one of the weirdest yet and it's only March. I think I understand the phrase, "off kilter" more than ever. Perhaps this is a character building year...

Anyway, I think one way to get myself feeling better is to focus on things I am thankful for. I have been blessed with so much and I need to acknowledge those good things.

To do so I'm going to use one of my favorite writing forms, lists!

I Am Thankful For

* My part-time job... Though I have complained about it some recently, it truly is a huge blessing. It's given me financial peace and good experience working with people.

*My substituting jobs... So thankful to have opportunities to teach! I love it when I can be teacher for the day. I've had some great days so far this year.

*All of my friends, near and far... I really don't have the words to say how thankful I am for such good friends. They make me smile, let me cry, rant, laugh like crazy, and be down right silly. They make me want to be better person and they also accept me for who I am.

*My family... So thankful for the family members I'm close to. They are so supportive, understanding, and full of good advice when I need it. I also love the times when we get together and do what we do best-- laugh! They've impacted me in so many ways and constantly remind me of staying strong when it's the last thing I want to do.

*The roof over my head... This is something I don't think about often as I have never known any different. I am so incredibly blessed to be able to live in a home that has clean running water, a comfortable bed, and a room all my own. There are so many people in the world today who would do anything to have these things. My heart breaks for all those people, especially those in Japan. I can't imagine. Their whole lives are upside down.

*My cute car... So grateful for my mom allowing me to use one of the cars whenever I want. Not only is it cute but it's kept me safe and is easy to drive around.

*My new furry friend, Cheese Puff. He's been a wonderful comfurrrrrter. He's a great cat and I love how he snuggles in my bed with me.

*Being able to read... I've thoroughly enjoyed reading more these days. I'm currently reading a fascinating autobiography, Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor of Jordan. It's been very eye-opening and has given me a different perspective on the Middle East.

*Being healthy... So thankful to have pretty good health. On occasion I get sick but for the most part I'm a healthy person. That's something I should never take for granted. So many in the world are suffering from horrendous diseases and cancer.

*My Granny... Very blessed to have her still with us, especially after breaking her two legs last year. She is an amazing woman and deserves a grand celebration for her 100th birthday this year.

*My wonderful new Canon camera... I am loving taking pictures with it! So fun to capture memories with a whole new rig.

*And of course, most importantly, I am so thankful for my Savior. He's there for me no matter what-- He knows I struggle, He knows my heartbreaks, my joys, and all that's in between. He knew me long before I ever existed. And He thought of me when He paid the ultimate sacrifice, dying for my sins on the cross. I am so thankful-- for my amazing Creator of Heaven and Earth. For all that He is.

*There are many other things I'm thankful for but this is just what I'm going to list for now. When I think of these things, I suddenly start to feel a lot lighter. Remembering what I'm thankful for helps me to snap out of my funk and breathe a little deeper. Ahh.... I need to read over this list every day!

What are you thankful for?!