BEING THANKFUL

Once again, enjoying the terrace this afternoon (as tomorrow I will NOT be able to since the weather is going to get yucky!). I ran so many errands today in such a short amount of time. Sometimes I even amaze myself. :-)

As I was driving around town, watching all the Christmas tree tents pop up left-and-right...I got excited. We get a real Christmas tree this year! I was told there's a new fangled contraption that helps you fill the water and check it...so I've got that to look forward to also. Not to mention lugging this thing up a set of stairs. FURTHER not to mention where in the flinging-flanging I'm going to put it. It will work out. Seems it always does.

I would have looked at you like you had two heads if you told me where I'd be this year in my life and that I would be fine. I would have said, "No...I'll be devastated and lost.". And obviously, in some ways I am. But I'm learning that's okay. God never leaves us. In fact, I was just reminded that it's in the toughest times of our lives when He's closer to us than ever.

He puts events, things, people and challenges in our lives that help us draw a new road map for our lives and help us along with the journey. I keep saying I've been surprised and amazed, and I really can't emphasize that enough. I never would have chosen this path. But honestly...I knew better than to ever think I wouldn't be okay. I'm a survivor. More than that...I'm learning to be an adventurer in my own life. And you think that would be scary (okay so it is...it's terrifying!). But slowly starting to trust in yourself and others starts creeping back in, whether you try for it to or not. It's just part of life. And I'm so eternally thankful for that.

The memory of past events slowly lose their sting. New memories help as a salve, to a degree.

So on this Thanksgiving Eve, I'm thankful for being open to "new". For not becoming bitter. For wanting to be better. For forgiveness and the power of a heart full of love versus hate. For being able to pay it forward. And for a great friend who is constantly reminding me to "let go and quit trying to be in charge of everything".

Easier said than done, but I really am trying now. And for the first time in a long time, I can see some headway.


Be Thankful
By Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.