Thanksgiving Reflections

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I am thankful for so much.  Here are 24 things that I am grateful for this November 24, 2011:

1. My husband and his extraordinary courage, creativity, humor, insight and passion.
2. The fact that after 15 years, I feel closer to him and more in love with him every day.
3. Floyd (my dog) - he brings joy to my life.
4. Family (mom, step-dad, brothers, sister, aunts, uncle, cousins and grandpa).
5. Those who I've lost - dad and grandma.
6. The volunteers I work with.  My organization would not exist without them.  I am amazed at their dedication, the desire they have to impact children's lives and their generosity. 
7. My mentee - a cute nine year-old boy full of creativity, potential, storytelling abilities and humor.
8. Photography and writing - creative ways to capture moments in time.
9. My job and the ability to provide for my family and impact my community.
10. My cozy, ecclectic beach condo.
11. Education and the thirst for knowledge. 
12. Cabernet Sauvignon and hazelnut coffee.
13. Music and how it can both help me connect with the present and also escape into another dimension.
14. Grace Kelly films.
15. The men and women who fight (and have fought) for freedom.  My dad who served in Vietnam, my cousin who served in Iraqi Freedom and my grandpa who served in WW II.
16. The United States of America.
17. The power of prayer.
18. Laughter and how a day does not go by that my husband and I do not laugh.  Sometimes, we wake up laughing together.  Other days, we fall asleep giggling (though my husband wouldn't call it giggling).
19. Friends, neighbors and colleagues.
20. My mistakes as well as my successes.
21. Everything about the beach - the sand, shells, sea foam, salted air, expansive sky and sound of the ocean.
22. Knowing that my husband supports me as much as I support him.  It refreshes me to know that together we take risks, learn, grow personally as well as spiritually and are creative as a couple. 
23. My quiet and simple life.
24. Most importantly, I am thankful that I have found God again.  I am finally feeling complete.