Giving Thanks

     I went to a women's retreat this weekend, and one of the things we were challenged to do was to create a list of things we are thankful for, and try to make it as big as possible.  The second part of that challenge was to keep the list, and reflect on it daily as a way to stay content in the Lord.  And so as a permanent way of saving this list (so that I can never lose it), here's mine:

Each day I'm thankful for...

• The breath of life.  I woke up.  I am alive.
• The cross.  I can be alive spiritually and be found clean.
• My faith.  I've seen life without God.  I don't want it.
• My relationship with Christ.  Fire insurance isn't satisfying.
• My family.  They love me, teach me, and provide for me.
• My friends.  They support me, encourage me, and grow me.
• My school.  I'm free to grow in God.
• My time of life.  There's so much I can do.
• My place of life.  America is still good--I'm free here.
• My past.  It's shaped who I am today.
• Music.  Where words end, and feelings take flight and soar.
• Art.  Much like music, art is expression.
• Creativity.  Seeing the world in color, not just black and white.
• Storytelling.  Sharing and being relational through words.
• My health/body.  It's so complex, but I'm still running.
• Material possessions.  I like being warm.  And food is good.
• Personality.  I like who I am as a whole.
• My flaws.  I will always have something to work on.
• Pants.  I like pants.  Pants are great.
• Summer.  I like warmth.  And less homework.
• Spring.  Life is returning anew to the earth.
• Stars.  Oh how beautiful they are.
• Night time.  I love the peace and quiet.
• TV shows.  Yes, I get gored sometimes and need an escape.
• Books.  Much like storytelling, and it doubles as an escape.
• Animals/Pets.  They are surprisingly comforting.
• Pillows/Blankets/Mattresses.  Also super comfortable.
• Communication.  Being able to talk to people.
• So much more.  This list could never stop.
• Everything I'm forgetting.  That's probably equally long.