Friday, November 20, 2009
I'm thankful for...
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It has little to do with turkey, and everything to do with the spirit of the season. I grew up with a father who didn't believe in self-pity, but did believe in being thankful for what you have - however much or little that might be. As a kid I never wanted for much, but whatever I had never seemed to be enough. Every time I would complain that I didn't have this or that, or some other perceived tragedy, my father would remind me "there is always someone who has it worse than you." His favorite story was about the man who was sitting in a bar complaining to the man next to him about a hole in his shoe, when he looked over and realized that man had no leg. No matter how many times dad shared this story, it was always a sobering reminder how much worse life could be.

Several years ago I lived through a very long and challenging period dealing with debilitating symptoms from a chronic illness that left me struggling to find much to be grateful for. But on the darkest of those days I would hear my father's words, "there is always someone who has it worse than you..." and I would be reminded that as hard as my life was, there was someone who was dealing with something much worse.

As I moved through that long, difficult time my sense of gratefulness increased. Actually I believe that having a strong sense of gratitude helped me to survive and come through the experience stronger, wiser...and more grateful. There is so much I am thankful for today. I still stuggle with my health from time to time, and I have heartaches and disappointments like everyone else. But I have learned that if I can focus on the blessings, if I can find something to be grateful for no matter what circumstances, I move through the experience more quickly and easily.

I give thanks for all of the blessings in my life. I give thanks for being guided to all of the answers and cures I need to be healthy. I give thanks for my happy, healthy, loving family and friends. I give thanks for the people who love and support me. I give thanks for the inspiration, purpose and passion that fills my life. And I give thanks for the sense of gratitude that fills my spirit and enriches my life. I pray your life be blessed with many reasons to be thankful this holiday season. ~ Andrea :-)

Written at 8:14 PM by Andrea.
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