I still rate last year’s list as the “Top Ten” things I’m thankful for, but here’s a few additions.
1. Variety in Creation – I love the fact that God created so many different kinds of plants and animals. Large and small, striped and solid colors, wild and tame, vibrant and more restrained. Seeing the diversity in creation reminds me of God’s vast imagination and creativity.
2. Emotions – The joyful sound of laughter as well as the release that tears can bring are gifts from God to help us navigate through the joys and sorrows of life. I’m thankful for a sense of humor that I can share with my students and the times we can just laugh and enjoy life together. But I’m also thankful for the sense of community when I shed tears along with friends and family as we struggle to make sense amid difficult situations.
3. Sun – Besides the fact that the sun is necessary for life here on Earth, I just feel happier on days that I can see the sun shine. I love the feeling of warmth on a sunny spring day and the beauty of snow and ice-covered branches on a sunny winter morning.
4. Books – Reading is probably my favorite free-time activity. I love escaping into worlds of fiction where characters seem so real. I’m also thankful for the way my thinking can be stretched through the thought-provoking questions and differing viewpoints a good book (both fiction and nonfiction) addresses.
5. Time with God – My life, especially during the school year, tends to be so busy, constantly trying to stay one step ahead of each deadline. I’m thankful for times of quiet – both on walks through nature trails and when I’m just sitting quietly on my comfy couch – time spent praying or meditating. I need these times, and I’m thankful for God’s love and presence in my life.
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.”
1 Chronicles 29:13
