Happy Thanksgiving

In keeping with the Thanksgiving tradition, here are a list of things I am thankful for.

1. My 3 readers who missed me enough to remind me it had been almost a month since I blogged.
2. My family.  They are crazy, but the more I hear about other people's families, the more thankful I am that mine is a normal kind of crazy.  
3. My friends.  Old and new.  The old ones keep me grounded, the new ones are a journey.  
4. My best friends.  You know who you are.  And you know why you fit in this category.  We may not have everything in common or be in the same stages of life, but God saw it fit for us to to do life together, and I'm thankful for you.
5. Netflix and Wii.  I know this is superficial, but being able to watch TV shows without commercial streaming over the internet into my TV keeps me sane during the long days working from home.
6. My health. I do not take it for granted that I am healthy.  I can get up each morning, care for myself, travel, visit, and care for others.  I am not constrained to a bed or a chair and for that I am thankful.
7. My church family.  Church is not defined by 4 walls, stained glass windows, and a pulpit.  Church is defined by the community of people who come together to share in the blessings and reach out to those around them.  I am blessed beyond measure to be a part of a community that is doing big things for His kingdom.  
8. My job.  It may not be glamorous (or even long term) but in a time when the economy is struggling I am thankful to be employed.  
9. My past.  It may not be pretty, but it's what has shaped who I am today.  I have made many mistakes, but each one of them was a growing experience and I have learned so much from each one.  I am thankful for the challenges I have faced and the hills I've had to climb.
10. My faith.  This is not last because it is least important, but last because it is most important.  God is good, all the time.  And while we may not see it always, His hand is in everything and He is orchestrating every minute of our lives.  I am thankful that I know He will always be there for me.  No ifs, ands, or buts about it.  It's a guarantee.

I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have been able to share time with people you love.  If you haven't, I am saying extra prayers for those who are away from loved ones or are feeling unloved at the moment.