In a sea of e-mail this one hits home...

I am thankful:

For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me and not out with someone else.

For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing the dishes, because it means their at home, not on the streets.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because that means I'm out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because that means we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me at church who sings off key, because it means I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been able to work.

For the alarm that goes off early in the morning, because it means I'm alive.

For the crazy people I work with, BECAUSE they make work interesting and fun!

For too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

This list was in an e-mail I recently received from two good friends. It made me stop and think a moment. Some days, it's as if every little thing annoys me. I strive to find the best in situations (hey, one of my favorite movies is Pollyanna!) but sometimes it's not easy.

I'm glad someone sent me this e-mail as it will help keep me focused on the good things in my life. Although I will add one more thing that I'm so grateful for - My relationship with God, for without it none of these other things would have any meaning!

Blessings and God's peace to you and yours...

Just in case...

Since Thanksgiving is notoriously busy for everyone in America (and some American transplants living in other countries) I thought I'd take a few moments to run down my list of gratitudes tonight.

• My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm no southern bible thumper here, but I give credit where credit is due. AND if you'd known me years ago you would have to believe in miracles, too!

• My sweet (sometimes) babies - my son and daughter. What a blessing they have been to me! Even when they completely disobey me, forget to do their share of the chores, or spend days with my mother instead of coming home to me; I still love them...

• My wonderful neighbors. I've met some fascinating people this year, most right here in my neighborhood. I'm thankful that I have neighbors who want to get to know each other, share talents together and who aren't afraid to lend a helping hand. What a world we would have if everyone lived this way!

• My mommy. Yes, I said mommy and I'm over 12. She will always be my mommy because I just love her like that. My experience is that when you add an "ie" or "y" to someones name you truly adore them.

I hope and pray that all of you have fabulous holidays, whatever you celebrate, and that you find many things in your lives to be thankful for this year and all of the years to come.