Why I'm Thankful

Izaak Walton once said: "Blessings we enjoy daily, and for the most of them, because they be so common, men forget to pay their praises." Well today I took a short time out to remember to pay my praises for what I'm thankful for:

I'm thankful for my family
I always knew that I had an amazing family, but I was reminded even more so of that during my illness. They made so many sacrifices for me- I still find it hard to believe. My Mom tossed aside everything else in order to be by my side throughout the entire ordeal. She lost many a night of sleep sitting by my side in the emergency room and she put aside her own feelings of disgust in order to be my "nurse" and take care of me. My brother gave up his room for almost six months because it was easier for me, even though that meant he missed out on many of his beloved NHL games (the TV in his room can pick it up, whereas the downstairs TV can't). My grandfather and aunts paid for me to have a TV in my room in the hospital, which is pretty expensive considering how long I was in the hospital for. My sister gave up her vehicle for many weeks so that my family could visit me and then later so that I could get to all of my doctors appointments and such. And not once did she ask for gas money either!

I'm thankful for my friends
Again during my illness I was reminded once again just how blessed I am to have some of the people in my life that I do. Yes, as I've shared before there was some disappointments during the past year, but you know what? That doesn't matter to me anymore. Big surprises make up for little disappointments and I was very surprised by some very special people. The people who called long distance to check up on me. The friend who trudged through a snowstorm in order to come and see me, just when I need to see somebody! All of the "out of towners" who emailed my sister to get updates on me (you thought I didn't know didn't you? ha!) God has blessed me with many amazing people in my life and if you're reading this, chances are you're one of them!

I'm thankful for my ministries
God has been blessing me so much by allowing me to be involved in a few really awesome things! The radio show is so amazing. College and Careers is a blessing. The new dance ministry is very powerful. The book- all I can say is WOW!

I'm thankful for good music
Music speaks so loudly to me in my life and it's such a precious gift. And during the past year my musical appreciation has deepened and my tastes have widened and I'm thankful for that too. I used to say that I like every type of music but country and gospel. Well after one trip to Nashville that's no longer true.

I'm thankful for God's provision
Over and over I have seen God provide for me and it is amazing and humbling all at the same time. From unexpected checks in the mail to a few really great jobs to working things out with the student loan, God has most definitely provided me with exactly what I need!

I'm thankful for my health
Health is one thing that is way too easy to take advantage of and I've been guilty of doing that. Well I hope that my experiences over the past year stay rooted in my mind for the rest of my life just so that I don't ever forget what a gift it is to be healthy.

I'm thankful for knowing Jesus
Having Him in my life makes each day sweeter, each low higher, and each joy that much richer. He is my sustainer, my savior, and my best friend!

And finally I'm thankful for life
It was close to a year ago that I nearly lost my life and going through something like that reminds you just how precious every day. I'm thankful for every moment that I have, both the good ones and the bad. I'm also thankful that this is not the end. One day we all will make the transition from this life to the next and really that's all it is, a transition!

So what are you thankful for? Leave a comment with your list!