Thankful

With everything that is going on in these perilous times, this is what has been going through my mind lately...

I am so thankful for my health, and health of my family. So many others are not as fortunate.
As I have been praying for baby Stellan, a neighbor with breast cancer, and so many others in need at church and around me this has really woken me up and helped me not to take these things for granted.

Even though I might complain about the aches and pains from time to time, I am thankful to have two legs to carry me to the finish line. Please pray for all of the girls in my running group. It seems that we are falling apart and we know too well that it is the devils tactics to discourage us from doing something that is very important to us. It is very discouraging when we have been training since January and to get so close to the race and things start going downhill. I am the only one of two in our group who has no ailments at the current time. Rebecca is having problems with her Achilles, Alyssa found out this week that she has to have her gall bladder removed next week, Kim hurt her knee a few weeks back on our run and now has hurt her back, Misty sprained her ankle stretching and it is still swollen a week later, Jamie has pink eye, a sinus infection for two months, issues with a root canal and another one scheduled for the week of the race. This leaves Beth and I who need to strap on cushions and stay inside to avoid joining the rest of them. This week I have been running alone, thus meaning I have not run very many miles. I missed last weeks long run because I was out of town and this weekend is a short run. Next week will be very challenging to say the least. Race is in less than a month!

Even though I complain about rush hour, early mornings, and how hectic it is to get out the door, I am thankful for a job to go to and that my family is provided for. Everyone knows someone that is struggling right now and I feel so fortunate to still receive a paycheck each week.

I am thankful for a roof over my head and means of transportation to any place of my choosing! Even though I choose not to watch Oprah anymore (for my own reasons) I couldnt help but see the show that showed people sleeping in tent cities. These people were sitting behind their computers a year ago thinking that there is no way that could happen to them. Just goes to show that you never know what the future might hold.

Although I dont agree with the policies of the newest administration, I am thankful to have someone to serve as my president and represent this place that we live, which is the greatest country in the world! Dont take for granted all of the freedoms that you have. Be thankful that you can go to the church of your choice, wear a cute outfit, work or be a stay at home Mom, have a voice in politics...the list goes on and on. To be a woman and born in the United States is truly a blessing.

I know there are many more things that I thank God for every day, but these are the ones that have been weighing on my heart the most. Please take a moment to be thankful!