Monday's Musings - An Unusual Thankfulness

by Mary Denman    @MaryDenman

As Thanksgiving here in the states draws closer, lots of people are realizing they have much to be thankful for. 

I am, too. 

However, this year, my focus is a little different. I do want to be thankful and list the blessings in my life. 

But my Thanksgiving list isn't typical. You might even say it's a little unusual.

Monday's Musings - On Being Thankful

I have a lot to be thankful for.

But I don't always see it.

It's way too easy to not be thankful.

And, it's easy to be critical.

To see what others have that I don't.
To not even appreciate what I do have.

Feeling sorry for myself or feeling self-righteous robs me of thankfulness.
Being critical robs me of joy.

Life doesn't always go my way. Mine has certainly been difficult recently.

But in spite of the trials, I can be thankful. I can look outside of my own little world and see the bigger picture.....

So today, I'm counting my blessings, naming them one by one.
What am I thankful for?

That I had 47 years with my mom.
And knew my father-in-law for 30 years.

That my husband is walking this life with me.

That we have five different, interesting children.

That we have a wonderful son-in-love.

That I have a place to lay my head every night.

Food in my pantry. (Although my 15 year old claims, "We have no food.")

Live music....from the hands of my kids.

Kids who sing out loud. 

Who play together.

Board games. Old fashioned fun.

Vacations spread through out the years.

Silly Vine recordings.

And that's just a start.

Even writing this post is making me think of more and more to be thankful for.

Will you join in? 

What are you thankful for.....in spite of the trials you may find yourself in?

Wordless Wednesday

Thanksgiving is certainly a day to think about our blessings. 

Family and friends and relationships often come to mind. 

For some, it's a day of celebration of being together and enjoying good times.

For some, it's a day of sadness, missing loved ones who can't sit at the table.

So whether or not our table is full, or missing someone, we can give thanks.

And whether that table is fully set with china and silver, or humbly set with paper plates and plastic forks, we can stop and give thanks. 

Through our laughter.

Through the tears. 

I pray that God will bless you this Thursday. 

And that you feel His love.