Today is Thanksgiving.  I have so much to be thankful for: where do I start?
It is also a day to reflect on those that have hardships and trouble. Everyone deserves Gods blessings and sometimes it can be difficult to see through the pain, sorrow, worry, or just plain bad luck that can affect all of us at some point. We have to do our best to appreciate even the smallest victories and simplest joys.  And we have to reach out:  pick up the phone to check on a friend, visit a lonely neighbor, share your personal stories.  Any demonstration of genuine kindness can really go a long way to help someone. 
We have some friends that have gone through huge trials.  Yet they somehow manage to see the gifts and blessings in their lives every day.  They continue to hope, pray, and laugh through it all.  It keeps them humble, and they show strength and faith in everything they do.  
Last night we got some bad news about our gym that could put us out of business in a very short time.  We are so sad that all our hard work could be erased so quickly and easily.  But we aren't going down without a fight.  And if we do have to shut our doors, then we have been so fortunate to have had this last year of an incredible adventure.  Brad, Cassie, and Ryan have worked so hard to make a success of our place.  And the memories, loyal customers, and new friends have made it a really special time in our lives.  

So here is my list for today:

I am grateful that we have more blessings than hardships
I am grateful that our Thanksgiving is going to be one with a full house
I am grateful to my husband for everything he does to keep CFE on it's feet
I am grateful that my girls seem happy and healthy
I am grateful to the Blass family for welcoming Jessica this week
I am grateful to Kelly, Beth, and Lynn for making me laugh harder than I have in a very long time
I am grateful to Trevor and his lovely grandmother for helping me out in a pinch
I am grateful for Zach and our new pool system
I am grateful for Dee, her recipes, and long distance help
I am grateful for my life that I get to live every day.  I have family and friends that love me.  I have a warm, beautiful house.  I have daughters that are becoming remarkable young women. I have a husband that works hard every day to take care of his family.  I have too much, and I am grateful.  

My prayer for today:

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for food and remember the hungry
We thank you for health and remember the sick
We thank you for freedom and remember the enslaved
May these remembrances stir us to service, that your gifts 
to us be used for others.
Amen