As a kid, it was tradition in our family to share the things we are thankful for from the year. My mom would cut leaves out of construction paper—red, yellow, orange—and we would write the things we were thankful for on them and hang them on the branch from the yard which served as our Thanksgiving Tree. While the tradition of making the tree hasn’t continued over the years, the sharing of the things we are thankful for from the year have continued. Every year, before dinner, each member of our family stands up and tells the rest what they are thankful for. It is for this reason (and perhaps all the delicious food) that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
This year, while I won’t be with my family, I still want to list the things that I am thankful for (and the list has greatly grown because of the things I have experienced this year!).
This year, I am thankful for:
~Toilets where I can sit down and flush the TP.
~Technology around the world that allows me to keep in contact with family and friends back home, check in on what is happening back in the States and have a phone interview from half way around the world!
~Being surrounded by people that love and encourage me on a daily basis!
~Beds that aren’t just a mattress on the ground (although, I am thankful for the sleeping pad I have as well!)
~Friends who are willing to share their tent with me after I sent mine home (Thanks Meg!).
~People around the world that are bringing The Kingdom to Earth!
~The amazing opportunity to travel the world and be a part of what those people are doing!
~The many financial supporters that have made all these things possible this year!
~A kitchen with the appliances necessary to keep food for longer than a few hours (aka a fridge).
~Worshiping in many different ways with many different people.
~Seeing God in spectacular ways over the year!
~Having 3 meals a day available to me. (and snacks in between.)
~For the freedom to share my beliefs back home (whether it be talking about Jesus or allowing my cross tattoo show).
~The opportunity to taste amazing (and disgusting) foods all over the world.
~Hot showers (or just hot water to take a bucket shower with).
~That I am able to go places on my own.
~That communication doesn’t always require words.
~That I have a car to drive back home!
~That a smile or laugh can do more healing than any amount of words.
This, of course, is not an extensive list, but these are some things I have become more aware of this year and have become much more thankful of on a daily basis. As I travel home, I want to continue to recognize the things in my life that I often take for granted and thank God for them!
