Overflowing with thanksgiving

The recent long weekend provided time (finally!) for rest and a time of reflection for the many (oh, so many!) things I have to be thankful for. To make an all-inclusive list of God's blessings to me and my family would be never ending, but here is a start.

• an amazing husband
• supportive family on both sides: particularly loving parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters
• a beautiful and cheerful niece
• old and new friends
• a welcoming church family, a place to worship together
• a home to call our own
• friendly neighbors
• not one, but two jobs, when so many are without
• students that make me smile, being able to pray with them
• helpful colleagues that share my faith
• blessings from NYU
• a free country
• health and strength
• heat when it's cold, air conditioning when it's warm
• food in abundance
• clothes for every season
• hobbies that bring joy
• His beautiful creation

But most of all... His Love, evidenced by the gift of His Son ...

the sacrifice He made for me, for you, for all of us.

This blog has helped make me more aware of these blessings, and intentional about enjoying and giving thanks for each one. Seeking out these blessings -- no matter how big or small -- has become more natural for me throughout this year, and been a good reminder that Thanksgiving does not come once a year. Our gratitude to God should overflow every day - even when it is hard to be thankful, especially when it is hard to be thankful. 


I find it most difficult to give thanks in times of busyness - not that there is a lack of things to be grateful for (certainly not!) but I feel there is less time to dwell on the blessings of each day. I hoped that this blog would help me make time to give thanks and share my moments of joy with others -- which it has -- however, updating my blog daily has also become one more thing to do each day.


After much thought, I have decided to continue listing the blessings of each day, but in a different way. I plan to keep a journal that I will write in each morning about the day before. I also hope to continue sharing some of these "little things" with you, but I am no longer committing to do so on a daily basis. I will update the blog as time allows (with lists, pictures, or perhaps even longer pieces like this one). I hope you understand -- thank you for following. I hope my blog has encouraged you to seek out the blessings of each day as well. Stay tuned for more of life's "little things" ... and be grateful! Happy Thanksgiving!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2011

• a half day devoted to Thanksgiving
• 5 kernels of corn, going round and round the circle to share what we are thankful for, their priceless answers
• moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, teachers, friends
• animals to pet
• a Christian school
• the playground
• Pokemon cards
• the squirmer's big smile and eyes on me as he said, "I am thankful for the best teacher"
• a "vegetarian" turkey
• class moms who helped plan our celebration
• leaving school early, spending the afternoon with my adorable niece
• his family together again

• my husband warming up the car for me, and not forgetting to also pack the rake and shovel
• sticking to the plan despite the drizzle
• the things I do for "my" kids, digging up the playground in my dress pants to plant some chicken bones
• the way their faces lit up when they found "fossils"

making fossil prints

• students and colleagues who jump at the chance to help with clean-up
• silly "mad-lib" stories
• only a 1/2 day to go!

• a "10 sticker" day for 2 oh-so-smart but can't-sit-still kids
• a good mid-day laugh with my mentor, the kind that brings tears to my eyes
• grading at school so that I could come home with empty hands
• thinking Christmas, and sneaking some early Christmas music when he is not in the car with me
• listing and counting gifts, a bond with mom
• taking them up on their generous offer - "you can invite yourself over any time!"
• picking up my love after a long day apart

• being back in church after missing too many Sundays in a row
• a much needed reminder - we cannot do anything in our own strength, but must rely on the Spirit of God
• a long and refreshing walk with mom to enjoy what is likely to be one of our last warm days
• an on time Sunday e-mail
• making plans for only 2 1/2 school days

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2011

• girl time with Mom, being able to talk to her about anything
• picking the same pretty polish
• a trip to Target: cheap groceries, quality photo prints, and even some Christmas gifts all in one place
• an easy refund

• pictures back up on the wall (in color this time)
• stopping in, with food in hand, to check on the patient
• makin' shakes in the blender

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011

• ceiling holes repaired - thankful for pleasant contractors who worked quickly without lacking in quality
• getting our home back to normal
• "you are such a blessing," incredibly sweet words from a student's parent
• wine and crafting, a great combination

• catching up with Net as we did what we do best
• hearing that it was a success

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

• children bursting at the seams with excitement for our first field trip
• a visit to the Wyckoff Wildlife Center, including a "sensing nature" tour led by a former teacher, and walking on our own to see some fascinating animals
• a parent who remembered her camera since I did not
• progress made
• going "home" for a meal

• time for odds and ends
• a meeting-free break, finally able to chat and grade with my mentor
• my husband's willingness to make dinner
• student artwork that makes us smile
• Life-saver mints just waiting to be taken
• mini-prints and saving grace at CVS
• discovering a new blog to follow
• the way he loves me, no matter my mood

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011

• making "grasshoppers" out of clothespins
• a never-before-seen, but skilled doctor putting me at ease
• one less thing to worry about
• neighbors who we can call for last minute favors
• quick and delicious dinner plans
• "for you, two for one"
• trying the mint hot chocolate at Dunkin' and loving it as much as I hoped
• beautiful photos that make my job easy

• an extra set of hands
• free tissues and (pre-sharpened!) pencils
• a genuine "I'm sorry"
• a surprise text message and sweet gesture
• meals prepared for today and tomorrow
• a deal (and Christmas music) at Michaels
• driving with the windows down