a day of giving thanks....

thank - ful (adj)
concious of benefit received; expressive of thanks; well pleased

as i sit and think today about being thankful i remember i do have so many things to be thankful for:
~ food, shelter, clothing ~ definitely the basics of life

~ life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ~ thanks to founding fathers of this country and their radical thinking ( they don't call it a revolution for nothing ! )

~ a wonderful, nurturing, loving family ~ however disfunctional it truly is (referencing my family of origin )

~ a husband who, for some crazy reason, still loves me even though the past 3 years of our lives have most likely been the worst years of our marriage

~ 3 of the most beautiful, intelligient, uniquely gifted children whom God has blessed me with the task of raising and nurturing

~ a job ~ well, and right now i am just thankful for a job ~ it is what it is

~ a life rich with amazing people who have crossed my path who i am able to call friends or best friends, mentors, inspirations, and angels who provide me with sanity in the midst of confusion, calmness in the midst of chaos, laughter when i feel like crying, tears when i feel like giving up, strength when i don't think i can take another step, and prayers when i can't find the words

~ a love of living life

~ a love of music which touches me deeply and is truly the music of my soul

~ depth to know myself and know what i need in order to find peace and contentment

~ for finding something every once in awhile that is truly extraordinary and special and something i can hold deep within my heart

most thankful for the God who gives me grace, has patience, has some sort of crazy plan for my life that He chooses not to give me any future glimpse of, who also offers me salvation and eternal life ~

so much to be thankful for ~ life really is a gift .... and i am truly thankful !!