Being Thankful For What I Have!

With the holidays season upon us and Thanksgiving having just passed, I have been giving great thought about what I am thankful for. There are so many blessings that I have that I don't show gratitude for.

The first one is my husband, he always bears the brunts of my bad moods and emotional roller coasters. I can be sweet and nice to everyone, even complete strangers but I unleash all the attitude on him. What a sweetie he is to put up with it all.

The second is my family! My girly-girls, who are just absolutely perfect, maybe I'm just a little biased, but I don't think so! ;) My parents and brothers and their families, even though we don't get to see each other often and some I haven't met--I still love you all! Especially since you are making my bros so happy! And then there's the in-laws! Yes, sometimes they drive me crazy, because we do things SO different. And I'm sure that I drive them even crazier! But I really do love them all! And don't forget those friends that are so near and dear to me that they might as well be related! Even though we aren't related by blood we are definitely related in spirit!

Thirdly all the worldly things I have. A home, food, clothes, presents, books, movies, everything I have! I know that I sometimes get caught up in what I don't have or the things I want or think I need. Like I want a house, not an apartment to live in--but at least it's not a cardboard box. And it really is good enough for us, and it's in a fun little neighborhood. So, why do I complain so much?

Fourth, the church. The knowledge that I have that the church is true, and that we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. And all our blessings come from him. That he does truly care about us and knows each one of us. If you really think about that it is truly breathtaking and awe inspiring. He cares about me, flaws and all. And believe me I have my fair share and more of those flaws!

Lastly, my life and my health. For those of you don't know I underwent my second open heart surgery 1 1/2 years ago. I had my first in 1999. Complications due to a misdiagnosis, long story, not so fun! Anyway, the important thing is that I am still here able to enjoy all my blessings!

And though my life is not turning out the way I have planned and replanned it is still going. But why do I tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive? Why do I whine about all the doctor's appointments and medicine. Why do I focus on the fact that I am no longer able to have anymore kids, when I always wanted a houseful, instead of enjoying and being thankful for the ones I have? Why do I moan and complain about the extra weight I put on during those dark depression filled months after the surgery, instead of being grateful that I am out of that dark hateful place and I am able to work on getting the extra weight off?

Anyway, my goal is to try and be more focused on that which I have instead of what I don't. I am going to find 10 things that I am grateful for everyday and recognize all that I do have. So, that's the beginning of my list for today! What about you? What are you thankful for?