A Month of thankful

Many of my facebook friends have been doing a daily list of things for which they are thankful. I don't do many things on a daily basis so that doesn't really work for me but this year a list seemed so very appropriate. In this year, and even this month, I have so much for which to be thankful. So here is what my list would have looked like - had I the discipline to post every day. I am thankful 1. for an amazing husband - who encourages me to grow beyond my box and become something bigger than I could be without him. 2. for my parents - some kids are given a hard lot in life just by the parents that they are born to - I am the opposite. No silver spoon or fancy house just two people who believed without reservation - in me, in each other, in right and wrong, in God. 3. for my son Karl - a young man with great intellect and wit and a gentle way about him that draws others close. So often he is like looking in a mirror and reminding me to be thankful for #2 who rode the waves with me and never failed to believe in me. 4. for my son Paul - my drama king full of tears, stories, songs, dances, and more joy than any one little boy has ever contained. He is the conglomeration of all the great men I have known - he is the preacher like my dad, the solider, the musician and the light of my life when he whispers "I just want to snuggle mom - because you are the best mom in the world and I love you." Did I mention that happens every day!! 5. for our cat Grace - she sheds everywhere, scratches on everything(especially in the dark of the night) but she purrs every time I pet her and she says Mom whenever I talk to her. 6. for the seconds in life that keep us alive - you know the ones that make it a near miss and not a direct hit - like the ones that kept the truck from hitting right on the driver's door and the ones that kept the fuel tank intact. 7. for great insurance - and an adjuster, claims owner and even call center agent who were more worried about our health than the damage and who are working all the details out so our life is back to normal in record time. 8. for a team of peers who all jumped to help, and breathed a sigh of relief when all was clear. 9. for a boss who surprises me with the things he says and does 10. for a God who put me in my bosses life to say the things he needs to hear 11. for prayer chains around the world that can clear traffic, move mountains and smooth waters and that celebrate triumph with as much praise as they cover tragedy with prayer. 12. for Alex and Don who were there in a heartbeat - being a part of our lives in unexpected but treasured ways. 13. for old friends, new friends, those that came in between and the memories that we all share. 14. for growing older and wiser - and finally starting to understand what it means to let it slide like water off a duck's back. 15. for a good credit score - after 20 plus years of fixing, messing and fixing - finally reaping the benefit of decent credit was a reward richer than money could buy. 16. for the people who work for me - they keep me humble and remind me that I have so very little pain in my life and am so richly blessed. 17. for HP, what a great place to work - a life/work balance that allowed my children to be raised at home 18. for Meg Whitman - who leads with integrity and expects that of those who work for her and isn't afraid of what others think 19. for coffee and the amazing pleasure one can find in a cup of Joe - one of God's sweetest creations 20. for a life coach who puts things in perspective and helps you see the bigger picture 21. for church and the fellowship of the saints - nothing matches gathering with those of like mind to worship the Father 22. for a great worship band and a moment each day where I get to stand at the foot of the throne and tell Him how great He is. 23. for vacation - and rest - it is hard for me but I am learning. 24. for the art of baking and my mother who taught me that making one's house smell of baked goods was one of the most rewarding ways to treat self and family 25. for traditions -old and new - and the memories they make 26. for freedom and those that serve and protect the rights I take for granted 27. for our nation's leaders and lawmakers who do what they do so I don't have to - and I am thankful regardless of their party affiliation and/or voting record. 28. for my ex-husband - two reasons - the boys and all the wrong decisions he made me learn from. 29. for redemption - the understanding that God makes all things new and even the bad decisions I have made are never permanent. 30. for the Savior and salvation - may my faith be as infinite as His love was. Happy Thanksgiving!