Gratitude

    It's about a week early but I want to talk about gratitude.  There is so much in life to be grateful for.  At home, my family makes everything worth anything if it means having them around.  I am overwhelmed by how wonderful my husband and children truly are.  When I think about what we have shared, endured and built together, I take a minute to give thanks for what I have in them and pray that they stay safe from harm and sadness.  I am proud of the people my children are and feel very lucky to have been blessed with them.  They are wonderful, fun and full of integrity and character.  They love me too, and tell me all the time.
    I have friends who truly love and care about me.  They worry when something is wrong and celebrate with me when things go right.  We have a lot of laughs and lots of history behind us and more to come.  There isn't much we wouldn't do for each other and no matter how big a problem or difficult a situation, we lighten the load and even carry it for a while if we can.  I am always amazed at how good the people in my life are, I feel honored to have them.
    When I go to work, I have a great boss who encourages and supports me in using my talents and reaching and increasing my potential.  Our staff consists of very decent people with huge hearts and brave souls.  Our patients appreciate what we do for them and are enjoyable to work with.
    When I see my surroundings I really think that God outdid himself.  I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina and enjoy some pretty awesome scenery.  It makes me feel happy sometimes just to look around myself.
    I am also grateful for some of the difficult things that happen.  Not all of them, of course.  I am never happy to lose a love one or to watch someone I care about suffer.  But, I am happy for many of the challenges I've been given in life.  They've made me who I am and I like who I am.  I'm grateful for that, too.  I didn't always feel that way.  We need bad times and challenges to truly appreciate the great gifts in our lives. 
    Here's my challenge to anyone who reads this.  Think about what you're grateful for.  Now, take it one step further.  Express it.  Say it openly and honestly, even if you feel silly.  Tell the people you don't usually think to thank.  Thank your husband for sharing in your life and building it with you.  Thank your children for just being who they are.  Let them know what you feel about them from your heart.  Tell your boss you appreciate the opportunities you have in your job and tell him he does a good job.  How about your co-workers?  Whatever it is you like about them, let them know about it.  Share your heart with your friends.  They don't have to love you like your family does.  They could have just tossed you back in the pond.  They could have turned their backs and walked away when you cried on their shoulder yet again.  Thank God or whoever you believe in because you can't go it alone.  Make it a habit to focus on how good you have it.  Even when things are tough, find one thing to be thankful for and it will get you through. You won't be sorry and you will find that you'll have even more to be happy about.
    So, what are you grateful for?  Click on the comment button and let us know.  It is the season, after all.

Comments

[Mark Zdanowicz]

Well, I read this site once in awhile and find some good insight even though I am not involved with this field. But I do know that Linda's family and I are very grateful for all that she does and are very proud of her professional accomplishments.

Mark Zdanowicz