I AM THANKFUL...

For the husband (or wife) who complains when dinner is not on time, 
Because he (or she) is home with me, not with someone else.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes,
Because that means she is at home and not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, 
Because is means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party,
Because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug,
Because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work,
Because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing,
Because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government,
Because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, 
Because it means I am capable or walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill,
Because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church that sings off-key,
Because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing,
Because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,
Because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours,
Because it means that I am alive.

And finally...

For too much email,
Because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.



THANK YOU, LORD

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see. There are many who are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bed ridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. 
There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is sometimes unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are 
many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous and tedious, thank you, Lord, for opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life.

And I add, thank you, Lord, for my precious friends there are many who are friendless.

~~Author Unknown~~



BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, 
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. 
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, 
They give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, 
It will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. 
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, 
It means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

                                Author unknown.


A Needed Step

As you walk the earth in life each day
Do you see what God has done
Or just walk by and fail to say
Thanks for the shining sun

You smell the aroma of the roses
As you walk in the morning dew
But have you gone the extra step
To thank Him who sent it through

He gives us all the joys of earth
But lets us dream far beyond
By putting a starry night of worth
We can travel to the lands of yon

Its sad, when we can't look and see
That it was our God who made it all.
He loves and seeks us friends to be
Pride keeps some from playing ball

His team roster is the book of life
The obedient players He will call
So don't fail to thank Him each day
And get on the greatest team of all


Composed By Al Evans