Just about all of the blessing that I have in my life have equal importance, but near the top of my list of people I am thankful for are my parents. They gave me life, but not just any ole life, they gave me the opportunity to live and grow up in an idylic place where I knew I was safe and loved. They gave me 3 precious brothers. They instilled in me a very strong sense of family and moral compass that still guides me in my life today. They are my rock, the cornerstone on which my life has been built on. I could go on and list many other things, but I will move on as I have a long list of blessings.........
Elizabeth Cooper Williams was my great-grandmother and was one of the most influential people in my early childhood. I just did the math a few years ago and figured out that she was 75 when I was born. I only had her in my life for 15 or so years, but in those years she molded me into the person I am today. Her greatest gift to me was the gift of my faith in God. Strong and unwavering. She always told me that when she went to heaven she would be my guardian angel and I'm pretty sure that she watches over me everyday.
Grandma also planted the seeds of my love of quilting. I am so thankful for her!
Have you met my family? Mike and I have been married for 31 years and have made 2 beautiful children. Those children have married brought 2 more wonderful people in my life along with their extended families. And now I'm getting grandchildren! Now if you really know me you would know that I could go on and on and on about my family. But I'll spare you that today, since I write/talk about them alot on a normal day. But suffice it to say that I am so grateful for Mike, Brian, Jenny, Jen, Rafael and Mia. They are my world.
I am fully awake now and my creative side is getting rather uncreative. Besides that I have cooking and cleaning and black friday planning to do, so my brain is starting to run on a different wave length.
However I would be remiss not to mention one of the most valuable gifts that I am grateful for and that is my friends. God has placed a whole host of people in my life who are precious to me. My little ole heart just wells up with thanksgiving and love as I count each and every one of you.
Sounds like I have a pretty perfect life doesn't it? There is one area of my life that I struggle with, but I'm even trying to be thankful for that. For the last 8 years or so I've not had too many days without pain. Some days are better than others; I'm thankful that there are few days that are really bad. I truly believe that we are given trials in life to shape and mold us into the people we need to be. Sometimes I just wish I could learn my lesson and move on! Guess I have a thick skull!
I've been at this for an hour now and I really must start my day. But I leave you with this quote that a friend posted yesterday:
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, and confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~Melody Beattie
Have a beautiful and thankful day!
~tammy
