Grateful

Lately I have found myself reflecting on my many blessings more often than usual. I assume it's partially due to the Thanksgiving season. And maybe partially from all the Facebook updates people are posting about what they are thankful for. Mostly I think it's due to the fact that life has been really good to us lately and several times throughout the day I recognize blessings great and small that are usually taken for granted. Here are some of the things that I've been thinking about:

*We're Homeowners. This is so exciting for us. Sometimes I wondered if this day would ever come. We were blessed to get a great interest rate and work with great, kind, honest people throughout the whole process. And for the time being we have a great renter who is taking good care of our home which allows us to replenish our savings. It's funny how things never turn out the way you think they will (like buying a home...but not actually living in it...yeah I never pictured that!).

*Employment. In this economy, Brandt and I both having good jobs that allow us to meet our financial needs is a blessing. 

*Reliable cars. I never worry that my car won't start or that my heater won't work in the frigid cold. I never worry that I may just skid right off the road when I'm on the freeway like with our last car. And even though the Blazer is a senior citizen and may not be with us for too much longer, it has been such a good car. In the nine years that I've owned it, there have been only two instances where things have needed repaired.

*Fuel for our cars. I was actually thinking about this the other day while I was filling up the Equinox. My gas light had just come on so I pulled into Maverick to fill up. As I was waiting, I was thinking about the people caught in Superstorm Sandy and how even though they had the finances available to buy gas, there was no gas to be had. And then I started thinking about people whose finances are so tight that buying gas is difficult, especially with the ever-rising prices. I usually don't put much thought into filling up my car. It's one of those automatic things that I take for granted. I was grateful for the reminder that day of what a blessing it is.

*A happy family. I am blessed to have Brandt and Jack in my life. Life would be so boring and lonely without them. In addition to them, I have parents, siblings, inlaws, and extended family that love and support me.  We have a great time when we get together.

*Good health. Another one of those things that I take for granted, but I'm so grateful for good health. I may not have the supermodel face and body, but I'm grateful that all my parts are functioning as they should! Other than the occasional stomach upset or cold, I am a pretty healthy gal. And I'm blessed that my family is healthy as well.

*Necessities of life: food/clothing/shelter. I so often take for granted these blessings. I never worry about going hungry or any of my other basic needs being met. We have a warm home. We live in a safe community. We are truly blessed.

These are just a few of the bigger blessings that have been on my mind lately. So many times as I was writing this post, I wanted to type "I am so lucky." But luck is not the right word. Blessed is the right word. I am so blessed. I'm grateful for the Thanksgiving holiday and the opportunity it gives me to reflect on the many blessings my Heavenly Father has given me. More than ever, I feel His hand in my life and I am truly grateful for the knowledge I have that He loves me, cares about me, and wants me to be happy. 

Happy Thanksgiving!