November Gratitude - Part 1

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. ~Edward Sandford Martin

November is one of my favorite months. Not only because it is the month I was born in – I am grateful for the life given me. And that it is in this month, in the south, when the world around me is brilliant with autumn color, blazing orange, vibrant reds and sunny yellows – I am grateful for God's creation. But it is in this month that we celebrate with family and friends, enjoy the warmth of home and good food and give thanks... Thanksgiving is a holiday to express thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation to God, family and friends. And even though we should always be mindful of our blessings it's nice to set aside this time of year to clearly think about all we have to be thankful for... and there certainly is much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my PARENTS. For the comfortable life they have provided, for the loving devotion they have for each other and for the relationship they have with God. I am thankful for my BROTHERS – one older and one younger – who believe in me and who taught me enough "boy skills" to keep me well-rounded. One who is funny and one who is wise. I am thankful for my DAUGHTER who has brought me more joy than I could ever have imagined. A daughter who is also my friend. I am thankful for RELATIVES always willing to help one another. Relatives that get along and make family reunions a priority. Family is so important. I am thankful for YOUNG CHILDREN - specifically my NIECE and NEPHEW who remind us to see the good in everything, to be playful, to be creative, to enjoy the simple things of life. Children's laughter heals the soul. I am thankful for a good JOB – one that allows me to use my creative talent. A place where I can work with nice people, in an office that is close to home (and has a awesome view). I am thankful for my PETS. A dog to take on walks and a kitty to snuggle with.

I am thankful for the beauty and wonder of all of the seasons God has created. WINTER for the wonder of snow and the subtle minimalist beauty in the stark delicate structure of the bare trees, a time when touches of color pop in an otherwise monochromatic landscape........

AUTUMN for it's warmth of the sun on cool crisp days with brilliant blue skies and leaves blazing in warm tones of autumn from clear yellow to deep red, for the scent of pine needles and dried grasses, of the musty ground covered in mushrooms and acorns and for wood smoke in the air, for hearts-a - burstin' in bloom, and crunchy leaves beneath my feet.........

SUMMER for the warm caressing breeze, the ripe fruits on trees, the ever blooming hydrangeas, butterflies flittering about and daisies to brighten your day, for children's laughter and family vacations and adventures with my daughter.......

SPRING for blooming flowers and the green world returning after it's winter slumber , the song and activity of birds preparing for their nests, the vibrant and luscious spring green appearing on every branch, and the delight of new life all around.

These are just a few of the things I am thankful for.

And now i am up-to-date on my 30 days of gratitude.