Give Thanks with an Open Heart

by Meredith

The season of giving thanks is here.  Gratitude is an important value for my family.  Ever since I was old enough to speak, my Dad taught me to say thank you to those who have gone out of there way to help me or gave me something - no matter how big or small.  And for every gift (birthday, holiday, milestone) my Mom sat me down at the table and had me hand write thank you cards.

Now all grown up I seem to look at life through a brand new lens, and I find myself to be truly thankful for all things in my life, not just the things people give me.

However lately with all that has been going on I've often forgot all the things I am grateful for.  So, I've decided to come up with thing for each day of November.

{I'm thankful for each sunrise. Photo I took in Hawaii - Sunrise from Haleakalā}

1. My family. I don't know where I would be without them.
2. Jesse. My best friend and love.
3. My friends. They bring me more joy than they will ever know.
4. My health. So important. I will never take it for granted!
5. My home. A safe place I can go no matter what and anytime.
6. My cabin. A home away from home and my absolute favorite place on earth. Thank you Grandpa for buying the land and building our cabin.
7. My church. A space and family that I can lean on for support and guidance.
8. My pet turtle. Macy brings so much happiness, and reminds me just how special animals are.
9. My education. I feel so blessed to have gone to school, college and graduate school to receive an amazing education - something no one can ever take away.
10. Music. I am thankful I know how to play piano and love going to concerts. I believe music speaks to the soul and allows you to feel in many ways.
11. My job. I'm grateful to have a job in the career field I wanted, a place I can learn from with supportive colleagues.
12. Having plenty of food in my kitchen. This is something I often forget and take for granted.
13. My furnace. I appreciate this more than ever on a day like today!
14. Clean water. Another thing I take for granted all the time.
15. A stable car. Thank goodness I have something to get me where I need to go.
16. Doctors and health insurance, The people I can do to when I'm lost and not sure who to turn to.
17. Military. I may not understand what they do all the time, but I'm glad there are people who will serve and protect my freedom.
18. Sunshine. Something that I look forward to seeing each day.
19. Cameras. For recording all the memories, which is what life truly becomes.
20. Laughter. A gift that can cure almost anything.
21. My phone. A treasure I use all the time to connect with those I love.
22. Clothes. I'm so grateful of the nice clothing I have and that I have enough money to choose what I wear and create my own identity.
23. My computer. A joy for sharing and storing information and connecting with loved ones.
24. Greeting cards. Maybe I'm old fashioned - but, I love getting mail that I hold, read and keep.
25. Surprises. Even though I'm not very spontaneous, I love the feeling I get from them.
26. Holidays. I am thankful that there are days in the year we just take the time to be together and slow down.
27. My gym membership. I'm glad I have a place to go and exercise and relieve stress.
28. Traveling. I'm thankful I live in a world where we can freely travel beyond borders and see new, exciting and beautiful places.
29. The four seasons. Even if most days I wish I lived on a beach, I'm grateful to live in an area that experiences all four seasons.
30. Crafts. I love that we have the ability to create and inspire others.