Webster defines being thankful as being “conscious of benefit received”. Isn’t it true that sometimes we need to be intentionally conscious of the benefits we’ve received? Isn’t it true that amidst a complication with our kids, trouble with our spouse, hard times at work, even when we watch the news, that we need to be conscious of our benefits (blessings)? Admittedly, I just wrote to someone this week telling them that no one truly knows or understands the hell that Mike and I have walked through over the last 3 plus years. But as quickly as that comes from my mouth, so should my giving of thanks. I have been challenged to be more conscious of what I have. I’ve seen the trend on Facebook to dedicate November to a daily giving of thanks. I didn’t jump on that train, but I should have. What a better way to be more positive and appreciative of what I have in life, than to be intentionally conscious of the benefits I’ve received. So here goes; 22 things Mike and I are thankful for:
1. our house (We have no right to own this house with all the financial strain over the years; It’s God’s provision that has allowed us to keep our home)
2. friends who have continued to do life with us, despite our consistent need to back out of plans due to the illness. Shout out to Jill and Kent Schellhause who continue to serve, love and support us.
3. our dogs – They fill me with joy. It is so nice to walk in and be greeted by two sweet spirits. They are great company for Mike throughout the days he is alone.
4. Mike is very thankful for me (his addition, not mine)
5. Blessings in the mail. Seriously, there have been days we have been SO down, and the Lord has continually blessed us through the mail. A friend, a family member, someone we don’t know, sends encouragement. It’s enough to bring me to tears every time.
6. I am personally thankful for my trainer. She encourages me to push harder, and in life’s current struggles, I need to be encouraged to push harder, to endure. She also provides tremendous comic and stress relief. Thanks, Swig!
7. The Voice – this show is date night for Mike and me – a fire, some chocolate, and 2 hours of singing. We currently have a bet going as to the finals. I’m losing. Ahem
8. Sleep – We’re not parents, but every wink of sleep that is uninterrupted by seizures, vomiting, passing out, trouble breathing, overactive thoughts – it is blissful, just blissful.
9. Speaking of seizures – WELL OVER A YEAR OF BEING SEIZURE FREE!
10. My principal – admin can make or break your workplace, and my principal has always told me “family first”. He has stuck to that the last 4 yrs I have worked with him. He continues to ask, “How’s Mike?”, and I know he means it every time. Thanks, Rob.
11. Health insurance – enough said
12. A new church we are really enjoying. It’s nice to go and receive week after week.
13. Living in a free country – I’m never reminded more of this than at the time of an election and Veterans’ Day
14. Changing seasons – Mike and I love the changing seasons. We love the color of the leaves, the smell of our freshly cut tree, the new growth and warm weather of spring – love the seasons.
15. Chocolate – for me, Dove; for Mike, Snickers peanut butter (had to make the list)
16. Music – there are few things that speak so deeply to me – Music has the power to alter my mood. True story. Good thing I’m picky about what I listen to!
17. A marriage that has sustained some serious lows in life. We had no idea what we were committing to when we said “for better for worse; in sickness, in health”
18. Every breath – each one is a gift
19. I am personally thankful for a husband who continues to fight the good fight. I highly doubt I would have kept my sense of humor or my desire to live after such a long battle with illness.
20. Family – how do I begin to put into words how thankful I am for family? We will NEVER take for granted the continued love and support of family. I am well aware we are blessed.
21. The legacy left by Mike’s grandmother. She passed a few weeks ago. Mike was able to spend the last days with her, and he conducted a beautiful ceremony in celebration of her life. She was a wild spirit who shared my affinity for red hair. She loved her family so very much. She will be missed greatly.
22. I posted this on FB on the eve of the election, and I think it’s a good way to end this post: “In thinking about tomorrow, and all the fears and concerns that so many hold, the thought that came to me today was, regardless of what happens, I know who's king of kings and president of presidents ... And perhaps the most comforting is that I know, no matter what happens tomorrow, the one Who's really in charge has got my back, holds my life and predestines my steps. The last 3 yrs+ have taught me that again and again.”
1. our house (We have no right to own this house with all the financial strain over the years; It’s God’s provision that has allowed us to keep our home)
2. friends who have continued to do life with us, despite our consistent need to back out of plans due to the illness. Shout out to Jill and Kent Schellhause who continue to serve, love and support us.
3. our dogs – They fill me with joy. It is so nice to walk in and be greeted by two sweet spirits. They are great company for Mike throughout the days he is alone.
4. Mike is very thankful for me (his addition, not mine)
5. Blessings in the mail. Seriously, there have been days we have been SO down, and the Lord has continually blessed us through the mail. A friend, a family member, someone we don’t know, sends encouragement. It’s enough to bring me to tears every time.
6. I am personally thankful for my trainer. She encourages me to push harder, and in life’s current struggles, I need to be encouraged to push harder, to endure. She also provides tremendous comic and stress relief. Thanks, Swig!
7. The Voice – this show is date night for Mike and me – a fire, some chocolate, and 2 hours of singing. We currently have a bet going as to the finals. I’m losing. Ahem
8. Sleep – We’re not parents, but every wink of sleep that is uninterrupted by seizures, vomiting, passing out, trouble breathing, overactive thoughts – it is blissful, just blissful.
9. Speaking of seizures – WELL OVER A YEAR OF BEING SEIZURE FREE!
10. My principal – admin can make or break your workplace, and my principal has always told me “family first”. He has stuck to that the last 4 yrs I have worked with him. He continues to ask, “How’s Mike?”, and I know he means it every time. Thanks, Rob.
11. Health insurance – enough said
12. A new church we are really enjoying. It’s nice to go and receive week after week.
13. Living in a free country – I’m never reminded more of this than at the time of an election and Veterans’ Day
14. Changing seasons – Mike and I love the changing seasons. We love the color of the leaves, the smell of our freshly cut tree, the new growth and warm weather of spring – love the seasons.
15. Chocolate – for me, Dove; for Mike, Snickers peanut butter (had to make the list)
16. Music – there are few things that speak so deeply to me – Music has the power to alter my mood. True story. Good thing I’m picky about what I listen to!
17. A marriage that has sustained some serious lows in life. We had no idea what we were committing to when we said “for better for worse; in sickness, in health”
18. Every breath – each one is a gift
19. I am personally thankful for a husband who continues to fight the good fight. I highly doubt I would have kept my sense of humor or my desire to live after such a long battle with illness.
20. Family – how do I begin to put into words how thankful I am for family? We will NEVER take for granted the continued love and support of family. I am well aware we are blessed.
21. The legacy left by Mike’s grandmother. She passed a few weeks ago. Mike was able to spend the last days with her, and he conducted a beautiful ceremony in celebration of her life. She was a wild spirit who shared my affinity for red hair. She loved her family so very much. She will be missed greatly.
22. I posted this on FB on the eve of the election, and I think it’s a good way to end this post: “In thinking about tomorrow, and all the fears and concerns that so many hold, the thought that came to me today was, regardless of what happens, I know who's king of kings and president of presidents ... And perhaps the most comforting is that I know, no matter what happens tomorrow, the one Who's really in charge has got my back, holds my life and predestines my steps. The last 3 yrs+ have taught me that again and again.”
Happy turkey day, friends. We’re very thankful for you.
