thankfulness

"... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth." --Sarah Ban Brethnach

As I sit here baking pies for Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about Thanksgiving and what it all means. I have so much to be thankful for...when I look back over the last year, I can see how God has blessed me over and over. When I think of all of the people he has put on my path to help guide me, love me, hold my hand while I was in the hospital, give me encouraging words, make me laugh, and teach me so many things - I am just amazed. I am so thankful that he has put so many people in my life to help me get through the hard times and to enjoy the good times with. I am so blessed.
The list of what I am truly thankful for would take me days to compile - but here is the short list:

- I am thankful for my health. I know, i know, you say - K - you've been in the hospital multiple times and are complaining about medicines, doctor visits or some test they put you through. But you see, I am thankful that I am still here - that God watched over me and brought me through all of it and that the things that I suffer from are controllable and fixable.
- I am thankful for my friends -- everyone of them - and each in their own special way. Some for sitting in the ER with me getting flashed through all the tests that they ran -- holding my hand and talking me through all of it. Some for sitting in the hospital room and keeping my mind off things. Others for all the fun times at our dinner outings or catching up over a glass of wine. Others for their sweet children that I get to love on and play with (yes, i admit, i love you too, but your children are my favorite!). And others for just being my friend - encouraging me when I needed it, laughing together till our sides hurt and just hanging out and spending time together. I am thankful for all of you!
- I am thankful for my family. Although we don't get to see each other very often, we love each other so much and cherish every moment we get to spend together. I love that we all seem to call my mom within an hour of each other and we somehow sense when one of the others isn't happy. And I am so thankful that we love each other -- even when we were unlovable.
- I am thankful for the life that God has allowed me to live - that he has provided for all of my needs... in his own way, not mine. And although I might not have understood "His way" at the time, I am glad that over time he reveals it to me and I can see how great his plan is.

So I hope each and every one of you has a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving - filled with joy, laughter and family...and of course lots of good food!