A Moment of Thanks

I know it tends to sound cheesy or smarmy, but I do want to take a few minutes to put on paper (so to speak) some of the many things I have to be thankful for, and not just let tomorrow pass in laziness and gluttony (well, those will be included anyway) without remembering WHY we have the holiday. It bugs me when people call it Turkey Day, just like it does when people say X-mas. To me, that's omitting the very reason of the holiday from its title.

1. The gospel, my Father in Heaven, His Son, and the Spirit He allows to dwell with us when we try to be worthy of Him. In this insane world, I don't even want to think where I'd be without them.

2. My husband. I'm still truly in awe that the Lord blessed me with such an incredible man to spend eternity with. I love him more every day.

3. Baby Jamie on the way. In a lot of ways he seems like just a theory, but he'll be real enough very soon. I'm scared of how our lives will change, but I know he's going to be an incredible blessing to us. Already is.

4. We have (well, rent) a beautiful home that meets our needs and that we can afford, even if we would prefer something cheaper. It's homey and comfortable, and there is plenty of love there.

5. We have food to eat, even nutritious and tasty food. Not everyone does. Not everyone will sit down to a beautiful, delicious meal with loved ones tomorrow.

6. Jobs, and opportunities to still have money even when I quit mine. I know I complain a lot about my job, but I'm still grateful to have a way to make money, and that I've been well enough through my pregnancy to continue to do so.

7. Family. We couldn't get along without both sets of parents helping us, not only in financial matters but with unending love and support. We both are blessed with such good, wonderful families.

8. Friends. We don't have many, but the people in our lives with that title personify the meaning of the word.

And so much more. I hope we all can make an effort tomorrow to see beyond the parades, the Black Friday sales ads, and the massive amounts of yummy food. I want to remember to think about Whom all our blessings come from, and to take a more lingering look at those around us whom we share them with. I hope you all have a warm, wonderful day of thanksgiving.