give thanks

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

I work in the children's ministry for my church, and this is our verse for the month. I have spent several weeks putting this verse on all sorts of fun things- a coloring sheet, a word find... memory cards, I even made a bunch of grapes with these words on them! But this morning I was struck with the realization that for all my effort in helping these kids learn the concept of gratitude, I could really stand to be a little more grateful myself.

It's so easy to focus on the things in your life that aren't playing out the way you had hoped or dreamed, to forget about all that you have been given. I have found myself in the midst of a pity party for the past few days and I realized on Sunday that it stinks. My sweet friend Beth told me that self-pity is an okay place to be for a little while because you realize how good you really have it.

Well, folks- today I am aware of all my blessings. Here are just a few of them:

*I have a sweet husband who loves me in spite of all my ridiculousness
*I have a happy, healthy baby boy- who lets me hear "i love you momma" everyday, sings "Jesus Loves Me" at the top of his lungs and makes me laugh
*I have a family who raised me up in the faith and has taught me what unconditional love truly is *I have precious friends who are willing to get up early with me, give up dr. pepper, have ridiculous nicknames, and so much more
*I have a boss who truly wants my priority to be my family and understands "mommy things"
*I have Jamie who selflessly watches John Mark 3 days a week so I can work and not put him in childcare
*I have a church that challenges me to grow in my faith and genuinely worship my Savior
*I get to watch middle school students be excited about their Savior and be challenged to follow Him more closely
*I have a mentor who speaks the truth to me in love and helps me become a better wife, mother, friend and believer
*I have a home that, although there might constantly be cheerio's and goldfish in the carpet, is clean, warm and a place I love to be
*I have a space heater at my desk that keeps me warm when the heater is broken

And most importantly...
*I have a Maker, Savior, Redeemer- and He knows my name, has lifted me from the pit and set me free. And if all those other things passed away, I would STILL have Him, and He would be enough.

What are you thankful for?