Let me ask a few questions to start this blog posting: How many times have you heard the quote above? Now, how many of you have been trying to live a more thankful life? Have you noticed the quote to be true?
Gratitude…
being thankful…
showing appreciation…
saying thank you...
It seems so extremely simple, doesn't it? This whole idea of gratitude. Being thankful. And, yet, as many other things that appear simple and easy, gratitude can be so extremely complex, can't it? When I began to be thankful for what I have, when I showed appreciation for what someone has done or said to me, and when I said “thank you” as often and to as many people as I have, my outlook on everything somehow changed. Instead of dwelling on the few things (ok, the many things) I don’t (but sometimes wish I did) have, I can't help but become overwhelmed at the multitude of blessings that I have been given in this life and what I have becomes just enough.
"What do you have?" you ask. I have my health. When I was a child, I had two major surgeries to repair deformed ureters before I even started Kindergarten. A year after my last surgery, I got a clean bill of health in the urological department. In February 2006, I was diagnosed with non-invasive Cervical Cancer. By September/October 2006, I was given a clean bill of health. Here we are, November 21, 2013 and I am relatively healthy by most normal standards.
I have my job. In a time when people are losing jobs, having a tough time finding jobs, or are too qualified for jobs, I am very happy in the job I have. Sure I've switched up routines over the past 18 years, but teaching is what I love to do and I've found I can adapt to any teaching environment and I've taught in nearly all of them.....just waiting for the collegiate level to scarf me up!!!!
I have my family. Two amazing daughters compliment my life in such a wonderful way. I know, if you follow the blog at all, you already know this. My daughters are my world. My pride and joy. The main reason I wake up and press on. They are an amazing extension of myself. No, wait.....they are a far better extension of myself than I could ever hope to be! I have wonderful parents, a fabulous grandmother, caring brothers, a whole host of super aunts and uncles and cousins, AND....saving the best for last....I am super blessed with an amazing husband (but you already knew that, too, didn't you!?!).
And in thinking about my life, filled with expressions of gratitude on a daily basis, I do have enough. I have all I need in order to be happy. Could I use more? Sure....who couldn't! But, there is a big difference between want and need. I want more, but I do not need more. I am content right where I am in this life. And thankfully, this path to a more grateful life and life filled with much more thanks than complaints, has led me to realize this. When we are truly grateful for what we have, even in the midst of trying and difficult times, the Lord (or whatever higher power you believe in) provides and He provides richly.
Think Thankfully!!!
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