I really should be making a fruit salad, baking, basting something etc., but before I really get going with the festivities today, I wanted to write down some of my thoughts regarding things I’m thankful for.
I don’t know all the reasons why the Thanksgiving holiday became what it is today. Some people say it was the Pilgrims giving thanks for religious freedom. Some say it was just a celebration to give thanks for the harvest. Regardless, it inspires us to contemplate our lives and all of the things we have to be thankful for.
I am so thankful for where I live. I live in a land that although it is not free from problems, I have freedom. I have all my basic needs provided for me whether I work for them or not. On the other hand, I have the opportunity to attend public school, learn valuable life lessons, and become a contributing member of society. I have the freedom to be whatever I want to be.
I am thankful for all of the modern conveniences and technology available to me. I am thankful for clean water, indoor plumbing, heating, electricity, the internet, and all of the city infrastructure made available to me. I can always be comfortable in my home. I’m thankful for my cars, and their ability to get me from here to there quickly. I am very thankful for my iPhone, and how it helps me organize my life and connect with those whom I love. Any time I want, I can have a conversation with whomever I want. It also allows me to connect with my friends that although I don’t need to talk to them every day, I still enjoy their association. It is truly amazing, the vastly different options the human race has available to communicate these days.
I am thankful for my friends and all the good times we have together. I’m thankful for my coworkers, and how they contribute to my days. I’m thankful for my job. I’m so lucky to have found such a good company to work for. I’m thankful for the opportunities that I’ve had to gain the experience I’ve received.
I am thankful for religious freedom. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father, and all he does for me. I know that everything I have comes from Him. I am thankful for Jesus Christ, and the example He shows us. I’m thankful for good people everywhere that follow this example and make the world a better place. I’m thankful to belong to a church with so many good people. I’m thankful for the wonderful leaders and their counsel, especially President Monson.
I am thankful for all the awesome members of my family. I love spending time with them. I’m thankful for amazing in-laws. I really lucked out that I got such great in-laws since I didn’t really pick them; they were kind of a package deal. I’m thankful for those that aren’t in my family tree, but I consider family nonetheless. I’m thankful for Monica, Lincoln’s birth mother, and the sacrifice she made to allow me to have a family of my own. Life really is all about family, and all these people make it so worth living.
Lastly, and mostly, I am thankful for my Ashley and my Lincoln. Without them, I’m nothing. I love them both so much. I’m so glad that we get to live our lives together. I’m thankful that I married my best friend. I’m thankful for all we have in common. I’m thankful for our individuality. I’m thankful that Lincoln came to us. He is such a joy, and such a good little buddy. I absolutely adore my family, and this Thanksgiving I hope they know it!
