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| Why I give thanks... |
"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." -Alphonse Karr.
People take too much for granted. People complain about the very things they should be thankful for. I want to talk about some of those things.
Jesus. He died on a cross to save this sinner's soul. Enough said.
Police officers. You cuss them when you should praise them. This is a generation teaching the next generation to disrespect and dislike the men and women in blue. You refer to the officer that pulled you over as a "pig"? Why? Because he was doing his job? That police officer has probably seen far too many injuries and deaths as a result of traffic violations. He could have just prevented yours.
Jobs. Work in general is taken for granted. You complain about your job when there are those who would love to have yours. Every generation gets lazier by the minute. Hard work has been replaced by a sense of entitlement. I went to nursing school only to graduate and have to take a minimum wage job working the front desk at a hotel because nursing jobs were few and far between. After six months of rejections, I got three offers in two weeks. I was frustrated, but now that I have landed the job I was meant to land... I realize why it took me six months. God put some pretty wonderful people in my path by simply putting me behind that front desk. For that, I am thankful.
Morning. I am notoriously guilty for taking this one for granted. I am not a morning person by a long shot. But every morning I wake up means I get one more day. And I am thankful for every day that I have been given, good or bad.
Children. Most parents are thankful for their children, but some aren't thankful enough. Kids are a pain in the butt. But there are those who cannot conceive. They would give anything for a baby to wake them up at night. There are mothers who drink, smoke, and do drugs while pregnant. Why are you taking this innocent life for granted? If you cannot quit smoking, drinking or doing drugs for the sake of a miraculous new life, then you are not ready for the selflessness that is called parenthood. My children can drive me crazy. But they are just that... they are what drives me. God gave me the most precious of all blessings when he gave me parenthood.
Legs. Quit complaining that there are too many handicap spots in the parking lot. They are there for a reason. Use the legs they wish they could, and walk! I am thankful for my legs. They are no Carrie Underwood legs, but they can sure take me from the far ends of the Target parking lot to the entrance.
Parents. We spend so many years trying to rebel against them and trying to get out from under them, but then when we have children, we want their advice. Or worse... when they are gone, we will wish we could spend one more day with them. We think they are old fashioned, but there are reasons they call them the "good ol' days".
The check out line. You know, the one that moves a lot slower than you'd like because the clerk is talking to the customers ahead of you. I am thankful that there are still friendly people in this world. You are in too big of a hurry and you're missing out on the beauty of kindness and good customer service. Instead of being short with him or her when it comes your turn... maybe you should ask how their day has been.
Friends. I sometimes take them for granted just because I love them so, and I know that when life slows down, they will be there. But life doesn't slow down. Make time for them. I am thankful that my friends have not given up on me when I have taken them for granted.
Siblings. Your first friend and your first enemy. But is that rivalry going to matter after it's too late to let it go? Forgive while you still have the chance.
Trains. Instead of growling at the next one you have to wait on... count the cars like you did as a child. Roll your window down for a moment and take in the fresh air. Marvel in their power. They frustrate you, but they are a majestic thing to your children in the back seat. Look at it through their eyes.
In-laws. They get a bad rap. You think they're too hard on you? Maybe it's because you swooped in and stole their child. I'm a parent and I can only imagine how protective and over-bearing I will be when some outsider comes in and wins over my baby's heart. Give them the benefit of the doubt. They just want what's best for their son or daughter. If I can say anything positive about being married more than once... it's that I've had the pleasure of having more than one set of amazing in-laws. Stop looking at them like your spouse's family that you have to put up with, and start looking at them like new additions to your family that you get to share life with. They are your kids' grandparents. And your children will feel tension where there is tension to be felt. Embrace them.
Losing. I am thankful to have grown up in a generation that taught me how to lose... for without losing, winning means nothing. There is no pride in winning if you have not learned how to lose.
Soldiers. They have laid down their lives for me. There could never be enough gratitude for the selflessness and bravery that they show. They face horrors that civilians couldn't possibly imagine, and those that are lucky enough to wake up to see another day, face the same horrors again without complaint, and without nearly enough reward.
Teachers. As students, we took advantage of them. As parents, we place the world on their shoulders and then blame them for all of our childrens' wrong doings. Teachers work way too hard for way too little. They are under appreciated and deserve more thanks than they get.
These are only a handful of things that I am thankful for. My life is full of joy. I endure sorrow, for without it, I would not know happiness.
Thank you...
DRD
