Being Thankful

My word - does time fly by when things absorb and occupy you, keeping you away from the things that you should hold dear to you. "Keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing!"

Well, as suspected, the start of this list of things to be thankful for has sparked much soul searching and debate in what I value in life and what I should rather value and appreciate. I am not convinced priorities are in the correct order, but this list is going a long way to "realign" my mind to focus on the correct things as opposed to everything else that comes across my path.

11. For the trust given me by my friends and colleagues.
12. Early morning trips that allow me to see the sun rise across the landscape.
13. Watching the sunset - seeing each star being called out to shine across the sky!
14. The support of friends who are always there to help when I need it.
15. Raymond - More than just a true friend.
16. For the new challenges my Lord has faced before me.
17. For His unending grace.
18. For our new house - it may not be perfect, but it will be a home that will be filled with much love and laughter. It will exude warmth and love.
19. The excitement of seeing old friends.
20. For the loyalty and love that my dogs show to me - what a wonderful way to get home each day!

1000 Things to be Thankful For

I was inspired by the Gratitude Community blog about 1000 things to be Thankful For.

I had an email come across the screen the other day that equated heaven to a bunch of offices where angels processed prayers. The "requests" office was large and very busy and as one went from office to office you were aware of the selfishness of man. The last office that was descurbed was a small office with only a single angel twiddling their thumbs. This room was to process all the "thank yous" sent bup to heaven in our prayers. I wondered how accurate such a portrayal could be? not the office idea, but how selfish we as humans are. The more I thought about it, the more I realised that it was not often that I thanked the Lord for any small blessing that He puts across my path. The big blessings are easy, it's the little things that we take for granted.

So, where to start? This most certainly isn't something that can be done all at once, although further reflection of it should be plainly easy. It shows how much we take for granted each day. But in what order? As I start to jot down ideas and thoughts I begin to wonder whether they should be in any particularly order - would it make these things less important to me? No - however all but the first 2 are in no particular order!

1) The Lord, his love for me, and for being His son (I can put all these as one can't I?)
2) My wife, Megan. For the angel that she is to me, the joy she brings to each day, the delight in my heart when I see her, for all she does for me and with me. I couldn't ask for a better companion.
3) My Family. Spread far and wide across this globe. My brothers and sister whom although we don't see each other regularly, mean the world to me. A family gives one foundation and their love and support in all things is all the encouragement one needs.
4) My Father. A man from whom I have learnt much over the years, fought wiht and loved. A man who taught me humility and honesty in the most amazing way.
5) My Mom. A lovely woman taken from us whilst still young, but I am thankful for even the little time that she shared with us. Thoughts of her still bring tears to my eyes almost 18 years down the line.
6)For a job doing something that I love, working with people that I enjoy, and living a dream.
7)For our new house - Been only in it a week so have to still be excited about it. It contains a view I have always dreamed of having, all the amenities needed plus more. We are truly blessed!
8) For a church and community that cares for and loves us.
9) For church leaders who stretch, challenge and grow me at each turn to be in the image of God. Still a long way to go, but heading in the right direction.
10) For my pets - 2 lovingly amazing dogs. Totally dedicated and devoted to us. If you want to know what love really is, you need a pet!

More is to come.

Be blessed and thankful!