ThankFULL

I am so thankful, and today, with Thanksgiving upon us, seems the perfect time to count my blessings.

I am thankful for my relationship with God—the hope and peace that comes from knowing Him. I am thankful for my husband, and am amazed that I get to wake up every day next to my best friend, my better half. I am thankful for my Mom, for the unending love and support she freely offers. I am thankful for my Dad—the strong leader he is-- I am so proud to resemble him in any small way. I am thankful for Abbie Ann, who I can always count on for a fun time, or a heartfelt talk . I am thankful for Mike and Mere, and the tremendous example they are to me of a strong and mature marriage. I am thankful for Dan and Tylie—the amazing parents that they have become, and the wonderful friends they’ve always been. I am thankful for my beautiful and bright niece, Saffryn Mary, and my joyful and loving nephew Pierce James—they complete our family so wonderfully! I am thankful for Gammie and Gampie, and the love and encouragement that they provide. I am thankful for Grandma and all the wisdom she has given—and the Godly example she is. I am thankful for my extended family, and the support that they never cease to offer. I am thankful for my new family, particularly Pete and Denise, and how I am blessed to now have two sets of amazing parents.

I am thankful for my friends, and all of the laughter and tears, secrets and celebrations we have shared over the years. I am thankful for their loyalty, their honesty, and their ability to push me and to love me where I am at. I am thankful for my health, and the health of everyone I love so dearly. I am thankful for my freedom, and I am thankful to be an American citizen. I am thankful for our military that has fought so hard to make this a reality for me, and millions of others. I am thankful for my education, and all that I have learned—both in and out of the classroom. I am thankful for my home, and all the joy it brings to share it with my husband. I am thankful for Froggie—he is the bright side of so many days.

I am thankful for my job. For the opportunities surrounding me while living in Dallas. For hard times that make me grow. I am thankful for sunrises. For my passion for running. For lilies and orchids. For music. I am thankful for all of the traveling I have been able to do. For photography. For the majestic mountains. For the sand between my toes on the beach. I am thankful for sunshine. For rainy days. For laughter. For good conversation. I am thankful for coffee. For weekends. For celebrations. For my passion for writing.

I am thankful, so thankful, for my future. I future to share with my husband, and my family. A future in my career, and a future in which to have children. I do not know where life will take me, or what it will look like, but today, I am thankful for my life. For the people who have made it what it is, who have loved me, supported me, challenged me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and fought for me-- for my future.

Today, I am full of thankfulness.