I Am Thankful

Often, It’s a product of our upbringing and circumstances that we are complainers or if we are optimistic and have a grateful attitude. But no matter what, it’s possible to BECOME grateful — even if it’s not our natural “bent”, but it does take discipline. It’s like learning to dance or play an instrument or any habit that is formed — it takes practice and doing it over and over again. The reality is that a grateful heart will make way for EVERYTHING we encounter to find the good in it, and, best of all, it opens the door for blessings. We just have to replace complaints and fault finding, with praise and thanksgiving. I love Nancie Carmody’s thought-provoking words that turn complaining…..to thanksgiving:

I AM THANKFUL

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

…for.the taxes I pay because it means that I’m employed.

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

…for my shadow who watches me work
because it means I am 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 the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means I am capable of walking.

…for my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.

…for all the complaining I hear about our government
because it means we have freedom of speech.

…for the lady behind me in church who
sings off key because it means that I can hear.

…for the piles of laundry and ironing
because it means my loved ones are nearby.

…for the alarm that goes off in the early morning
hours because it means that I’m alive.

…for weariness and aching muscles at the end of
the day because it means I have been productive.
— Nancie J. Carmody