What I Am Grateful For

Pine Trees Winter 2013
Pine Trees Winter 2013

Here it is- the first big snow of the season. Today is Thanksgiving in the USA and the Northeast is in the grips of some pretty cold weather. Thankfully, I am not traveling. I am the chef du jour, making most of the gratitude dinner with a little help from my friends.

My mom has been with me for a few days. I gave her a lecture a month or so ago about snow. If we are expecting any big accumulations I said, you have to come over. She didn’t argue with me when I told her Monday morning I was coming to pick her up.

So she and I have been spending some quality time together. I decided to put up my Christmas tree on Tuesday because I had a whole free day (and it snowed all day!) and those little lights just bring a lift to my heart. The nativity set went underneath right away. I have to keep in mind the reason for the season.

Region 1 DVD cover
Region 1 DVD cover (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We indulged in a whole recliner session of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. It occurred to me how Rudolph was bullied- no playing with the others in reindeer games, all because of that red nose. I seriously shed a tear when the program was over and Santa said “Merry Christmas!” from his sky high sleigh.

So as I think about Thanksgiving, there are many things I have to be grateful for. I wanted to share my list with you and I’d love if you’d leave a comment and tell me what you’re most grateful for.

1. Family- Where would I be without them? My husband Jim, my kids Michelene and John, my grandson Gavin, Gavin’s dad Jonathan, my mom Katherine, sisters Mary and Cally and their beautiful partners Starr and Raymond. Jim’s family and both our extended families. My beautiful yellow lab Jordan. They are my greatest treasures.

2. Friends- Oh they have seen me through some troubling times. As has my family but my closest friends are privy to my thoughts, words and deeds of high and low. I owe my salvation to my recovery friends and their infinite wisdom on life and teachings on practicing these principles in all my affairs.

3. Faith- Deep as the ocean, infinite as the sky, my love for God only grows and grows each day. I realize how walking a spiritual path has changed everything. It makes me understand that I am not in control and God is.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! If you are alone, give me or a close friend of yours a call. We should all be together on Thanksgiving.

I wish you a happy Thanksgiving of great blessings! Tell me, what are you grateful for?

It's nice to share. Thank you.

22 Replies to “What I Am Grateful For”

  1. Good Morning and “bountiful blessings” to you and your family! Up very early, I was actually awaiting a Thanksgiving post on this special day! Thank you !!! The world is full of blessings & God is everywhere in skin, so I pray that everyone finds something to be thankful for today! Your last paragraph really touches my heart!

    1. Good morning Cindy! Thank you for your beautiful blessings! I was up very early too; I just couldn’t sleep from too much excitement!
      The world is full of blessings and if we just remain in the moment and look around, we will see them. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving day!
      xo Joanne

  2. Joanne, I am so happy (and jealous) that you have your mother with you this week. Lots of fun and wonderful memories! I am thankful each day for loving family and friends, rock of a husband, and the good health to enjoy it all. Have a wonderful Day of Thanks!

  3. Happy Thanksgiving! I am also thankful for family, friends & faith! I am thankful for the bad times because they make me appreciate the good times and help me grow as a person. I count YOU as one of the friends I am thankful for! Have a beautiful, wonderful day enjoying your family!

  4. Blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family! I am missing my Mom as she is visiting her sister in California and spending time with her family. Looking forward to a meal with my brother and his family. Love your blogs!

    1. Hi Vivian!
      Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and many blessings to you and your family.
      I am blessed and grateful to have you and many others who encourage and motivate me in my writing! Thank you!
      xo Joanne

  5. Hi Joanne! You have written so Beautifully. I am Grateful for you, for my family, and my friends, I have been blessed. Big hugs to all

  6. Joanne, a beautiful post…I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday, and everyday the rest of the year with many more to come.

    I am so grateful and blessed with the life and breath of my son, and of course I am grateful for my family and friends…divine health is appreciated and wished for everyone. As for material necessities, this Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for a new 2013/6000 miles, little red toyota corolla. A true miracle how God took my ever growing faith and trust in Him and managed situations and persons perfectly for this manifestation. One stress released from my life, and I’m looking forward and onward. Trust me, this was an absolute blessing.

    I am grateful to have met you through blogging. Thank you, friend,
    Marianne xo

    1. Hi Marianne!
      I am happy for you for all your blessings and especially the Toyota Corolla. If it was a miracle I believe you and there is no replacement for a good set of wheels!
      Grateful to have met you too my friend.
      xo Joanne

  7. Thanksgiving Blessings to you. Your Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer session made me laugh and brought back memories, and, funnily enough, I was listening to Burl Ives the other day. What a voice. I am thankful for that voice of his that I heard so often in my childhood. Hope the snow is keeping your mother with you; enjoy!

    1. My mom went home yesterday after four days of being with me. I think she was ready for it 😉 as it’s always good to be in your home.
      We had a great time and I can count that Rudolph session in amongst my good memories now.
      Joanne

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