Giving thanks is customary this time of year with Americans devoting an entire holiday to the concept of thankfulness. Traditionally, the idea stems from being grateful for an ample harvest to survive the coming winter, but nowadays the message has much to do with family and appreciating life’s many other gifts. This year being separated from my husband has me contemplating the basic blessings of freedom and choice. We often go days, weeks, and years without giving a second’s thought to what these freedoms really cost, but this year I plan to do better.
To that end, I have decided to list the things I am thankful for this year. Some are profound and others are frivolous, but isn’t that what makes life unique and interesting? I hope you will write down your own list of things for which you are grateful this year and keep it visible (like on the fridge) to remind you of what truly matters in your life. Below is my own list to give you ideas on how to get started:
This year, I am thankful for:
- My beloved husband who makes my heart race when I see him and hurt when we’re apart.
- Funny, intelligent, loving boys to make life rich and full of energy.
- A warm, comfortable home to escape the stresses of the outside world.
- The unconditional love of a dog to comfort me when I’m alone or can’t sleep at night.
- Crossword puzzles to keep my mind occupied in waiting rooms and during endless meetings.
- Cell phones to keep connected to family and friends anywhere, anytime.
- The invigorating power of coffee to jolt me to life in the mornings (how else would I ever get to work on time).
- Flannel sheets to warm my body (especially my feet) on cold winter nights.
- Big screen televisions that make watching Sunday afternoon football even more exciting.
- The amazing power of the Internet that allows me to “talk” to my husband in Iraq every day. How wonderful, indeed!
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