Refueling with thanksgiving…

As I sit back and rest my stomach from the bountiful feast of Thanksgiving Day, I count my blessings. For on Wednesday, we stopped at a local mission to drop off a turkey and pies. The mission was FULL of people.

People who were hungry, not just that day, but most days. Fellow community members who were:
… without proper medical attention or dental care
… without mittens or boots or a warm coat
… without food on a regular basis
… without the pleasure of a warm shower on a cold day
… without cable TV, IPODs, or big screen TV’s
… without their own form of transpertation
… without a safe home life
… without a warm bed to lay their heads each night
… without steady work/paycheck
… without a place to call their own on Thanksgiving Day

But all greeted us with warm thanks and smiles and offered to help carry everything. Even in their challenging circumstances, they chose to be thankful.

How often do we forget, in the midst of all we have, to do just that – to be thankful. Our society spends much of it’s precious time lusting after what others have and lamenting over what we DON’T have.

That trip to the mission gave me a reminder to be thankful for those moments in our lives we take for granted.

I am thankful for:
… the sound of our two children arguing over the TV station, because I know they are at home and warm and not out on the streets doing drugs
…my spouse, who after 25 years still tells me everyday he loves me
… the last parking spot in the mall lot, because I have the ability to WALK on my own power to the door
… leftovers, because I know they will keep my stomach filled
… lines during the holiday shopping season, because waiting gives me the opportunity to slow down, to breathe, and appreciate the sights and sounds of my surroundings
… the ice on the windshield of my car, because it means I am fortunate enough to own a car
… the heating bill, because it means I have a warm place to sleep every night
… the frantic “after hours” calls from customers who have “spilled” something and need it cleaned up right away before the company comes, because it means I have work
… the alarm clock and a pulse every morning, as it means I am blessed with life one more day.

Each day as your alarm wakes you and before your feet hit the floor, refuel yourself by counting to “5” – think of five things you are thankful for. You would be suprised at the difference this can make in your attitude and quality of life.

Give thanks. May you find peace in your days and joy in your heart.

Warm regards,
Kathlynn
Duluth, MN