Giving Thanks

Today is a day for giving thanks.  It's also the official start to the holiday season and the end of the year.  Every day when I get in my car, I say my daily prayer.  I always start with the Our Father, and continue on with thanking God for all that I am, all that I have, and everyone I love.  I then continue on with any special prayers needed and then head off to work.  So for me, what does it mean to be thankful for all that I am, all that I have, and everyone I love??

It means I am proud of the woman I've become.  I am a true combination of my parents personalities however, I am a woman of my own strength.  Each challenge I have faced over the last 3 or so years has made me that much stronger.  I may not have my dream job, however, I still dedicate 100% of myself to what I do.  I believe that I love with all of my heart and truly enjoy helping others, whether human or animal.  I believe in good causes.  Do I have negative feelings at times about things?  Of course... I'm only human.  But I do truly believe that God guides me every day to be the best me I can be.

I am thankful for all that I have:  The roof over my head, the job that helps pay the bills, this beautifuly precious girl growing inside me when I wasn't sure whether or not I would ever know what it is like to be pregnant, my precious furbabies Spike and Roxy who are my world.  I am thankful to be able to enjoy things in life and to have a wonderful marriage.

I am thankful for everyone I love.  I have the most amazing family, friends and husband.  Ed has been such a support through our just over 2 year marriage, and it only gets stronger every day.  My mother though we have our ups and downs (which is expected in any mother-daughter relationship) is truly amazing and I don't know what I would do without her in my life.  She will be taking care of our baby girl when I have to go back to work next year and I couldn't be leaving her in better hands.  My brothers though I may not see them as often as I'd like, would drop their worlds for me if needed.  And my father who is now a non smoker after 40 years has shown us what it means to be strong and peservere through major surgery and making changes.  I have a wonderful family of in-laws who made me feel as though I had been part of the family for years from day 1.  They are supportive and loving and I couldn't ask for more.  I am SOOO grateful for my grandfather's health and presence in my life.  He turned 86 this week and I pray every day that he is around to see his great grand baby in March. 

There is so much to be thankful for.  It's amazing how much one really has when you truly stop to think about the things you are thankful for.  My message for today is to tell everyone to be sure to count your blessings.... today and every day.  You wouldn't be who you are today without them.  Even if you have suffered recent losses, are lonely, or feel that things just haven't gone your way... I"m sure you have plenty to be thankful for and if you can focus on just those things, perhaps the negative you're dealing with in your life won't seem so bad after all and the strength you pull from those things you are grateful for will help you get through these challenges.  God Bless.