#5 I am thankful

I have a cold right now. And it makes me appreciate all of the times I haven't had one. How could I take good health for granted when it makes such a difference?

My appreciation for how blessed I am has also been increased by the world's current economic woes. It reminds me that even the poorest Americans are privileged. How many millions of people are there in the world who don't have to worry about loosing their homes BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE HOMES. Or because they haven't known anything but day-to-day living. I couldn't believe how many people I met on my mission (and England is by no means a third world country) who never considered working 80-100 hour weeks anything but normal, just to provide for their families.

I have never had to worry about my kids going hungry. I have always had a support system of family, friends and the church to rely upon. Just knowing I'm not alone makes all of the difference. Windows and doors have always been opened to us--maybe differently than expected or more slowly than I'd hoped, but a way has always been provided.

I hope that I never have to loose these things in order to appreciate them.