Thankful

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Too often I take for granted the blessings heaped daily on my life. A family who loves me unconditionally. Friends with listening ears, laughing lips, and honest hearts. God, who made the ultimate sacrifice in His Son to provide eternal life and adoption into His royal family for all who will receive Him. A strong, healthy body to work and play. A mind to fill with vast amounts of knowledge, and the ability to retain information. A job to earn a living and to feed, house, and clothe myself and my family. Having the means to give gifts to others. Creation, so beautiful in its complexities that fill me with wonder.
So much of the world survives on so much less than we do here in America. Just last month I was witness to a slideshow given by some men at my church who had taken a trip to Honduras. The poverty evidenced in those photos is unimaginable to those who have not seen it. I have no right to complain about anything. I am richly blessed beyond anything I deserve, and I thank my heavenly Father for all He has done in my life.

Contentment

I love...

Spending time with the ones I love.

Smiling at the ending of a good book.

The spray of a hot shower on a cold day.

The sun on my face and the breeze in my hair.

The feel of soft sand 'tween my toes as I listen to waves rolling onto the shore.

The words "thank you" after helping a patient get comfortable in a hospital bed.

Sighing with pleasure from touching my head to my pillow at the end of a long day.

The way smelling a bonfire in the fall makes me want a marshmallow.

The sparkle of the sun shining through ice-laden trees.

The quiet of a snowfall.

Rain lulling me to sleep.

Laughing out LOUD.

Hearing a good story.

The word usage and insults of Jane Austen and Shakespeare.

Knowing that I am loved, that there is someone on my side.

Arms to hold me when I cry.

Color: vibrant and happy, cool and calm.

Good music that inspires me to love, to dance, to sing along.

The smell of laundry being done.

Dark chocolate truffles from Godiva.

Being able to go barefoot.

Going to church.

Knowing that I married the right one.

Walking through a door God has opened for me.

Living my life, learning lessons, and being able to change for the better.

De-stressing with a massage.

Having someone play with my hair.

Being at peace.