Give Thanks...

OK, so I had so many intentions of getting a Thanksgiving post up by Thanksgiving week and obviously it did not happen. So, I started to just let it go... didn't make that goal. Shucks. Yet the idea of a post giving Thanks has remained with me and I've felt this gentle nudging to do it anyway even though Nov 22nd has come and gone. Honestly, I haven't been in much of a give thanks mood just recently. That's really not like me so I'm pretty upset with myself. Ha. Imagine that ... me upset with me.

Anyway, forcing yourself to make a list of things that you are thankful for is guaranteed to elevate the Spirit, bring a smile to your face and often, tears of joy to your eyes. So, here goes my list... even if it is almost exactly one week late, I'm glad that Giving Thanks is always in season!

1. Family and friends -  The last 6 months have been an awesome season of faith and stretching and I'm grateful for my family and friends who journeyed with me through this season of transition.  I have a new appreciation for my family and if it’s possible, I realize that I love them more and more every day. We’ve had some tough mountains, but boy we stick together and are stronger and closer because of it! 

2.  My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - This Advent season is a time to re-focus on the true source of the Hope and Love we have.

3. Group hugs - the last 3 months I've gotten over 18 hugs a day, unsolicited, knock you down, trample on you bear hugs!  That’s what happens when almost twenty 5 year olds decide that a group hug is in order! My hug jar is full :)

4.  Make new friends, make new friends, but keep the old ones, one is silver and the other is gold. That line is from a song I learned as a child and I'm so thankful for my friends... both silver and gold. My newest friends are the Alcequiez family. They have taken me in under their wings (quite literally since the chickens now outnumber the humans) and under their roof and I'm so thankful for them. 

5.  Hot showers-- you don’t realize what you miss until it’s gone!

6.  Food -- I love trying new foods, most ethnic cuisines, and even dabbling in the kitchen. I’m thankful for this immersion into Dominican cuisine and the joys of fresh, unprocessed food!

7.  Internet -- oh boy, I don’t need cable or a TV, but internet, oh Lord, yes I’m thankful. It’s been a lifesaver to stay in touch with family and friends over email, Skype and FB!

8.  Lawndale Christian Health Center -- I spent the last 6 years in Chicago, IL, serving with this wonderful group of Christian medical professionals. The people who serve at this health center are phenomenal and I will forever cherish that faith and professional community. 

9.  Sunshine and Rain - There is a reason and season for every thing. I”m thankful for the sun that shines but also the rain in life that waters my growth. 

10.  Chocolate - I know this counts as food, but still it's different. You understand, right? I can't wait to bite into a piece of Dove dark chocolate. In the meantime, I'm having fun trying out each chocolate bar at the grocery check out :)! I'm sure there is at least a drop of antioxidants in there somewhere. 

11. I'm thankful to be an American -- Chocolate was supposed to be the last one, but I forgot this one that has come to mind so often in the last year.  The blessing of being born in a country that has a great educational system, financial resources, and opportunities galore is often taken for granted. Of course, it's not a perfect country, but having traveled a bit to other countries, we as Americans, are blessed and I am thankful.