I Am Grateful

Blogging Friends.... Happy Thanksgiving!! I wanted to take a moment and express my most heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you. Your comments were all so encouraging!! I have done a great deal of growing ever since last week's mood swing-induced pity party. A great deal of growing. I realized that I'm so abundantly blessed. And I was obviously not feeling grateful. I reminded myself that so many people suffer worse than me. Far worse. As I sat in church Sunday, tired, plus a bit "hung-over" from my pity party, I looked upward at the chapel's beautiful stained-glass steeple. And I felt God whisper that these mood swing-induced pity parties are Him growing and maturing me. But they hurt!! I don't want them!! I protested. To which God whispered back: Of course they hurt. They're growing pains.

In light of today being Thanksgiving, I am going to express some blessings which I am grateful for.

Rose. My Beautifully Unique "Mystery Dog". A Beagle/German Shepherd, according to guesses. My potentially random-bred mutt. Rose was born different--sans any "choices" in the matter--like me. She is such a joy, an amazing friend and my Heart Dog!! I am grateful.

My family. Dad, Mom, sister, and youngest brother. I am the flawed personality-type who needs a ton of support. They deliver. I am also thankful for my oldest brother, sister-in-law, and adorable niece. May our family continue to thrive!! I am grateful. 

Tony Stark/Iron Man. What can I say? I am thankful for a comic book superhero character. A Hollywood movie character. I am thankful for that favorite scene of mine in "The Avengers". So thankful. Because everything in my story leads me back to "It's a... terrible privilege.". Everything. May I never forget. I am grateful. 

An accepting and loving Blogville community. One word: Wow. I could not have asked for a better, more faithful, and accepting "family" of Friends than you, dear Readers!! I am grateful.

My gift of writing. Because it is just that: A gift. I am eternally thankful for my way with words!! It truly is more than just an ability. More than just some talent. I was born to write!! With that, I am also thankful for my Blog. Beautifully Unique. What a, well, unique, outlet for sharing this gift to Friends worldwide!! I am grateful. 

The opportunity to be featured on Coffee With A Canine earlier this year. What an incredible chance that was!! Wow. A huge thank-you to Charlene for making it possible!! Wow. Also, I am thankful for every Blogging Award which has been passed onto me throughout this year alone. It touches my deepest emotions just because I was thought of. I am grateful.   

My ability to walk. One year ago, this was not a possibility. Because I fell on November 14th and nearly fractured my right leg/foot. It was an arduous recovery process. I hobbled around like some old man sans a cane. I could not point my toes or bend my knee, but I am resilient!! I can walk!! I am grateful.

A roof over my head. We have been experiencing some insane rainstorms around here lately. Whenever this happens, I'm thankful for the place which we call "home", plus our burning wood stove!! So many are without both right now. I am grateful.

Cheerful holiday music. As these words are being typed, Martina McBride's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is playing!! Mmmm.... I heard Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" the other day. Love it!! Nobody performs that song like The Boss!! Nobody. It felt like Christmas the moment I heard his rocking version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"!! Even before Thanksgiving. I am grateful.

And, yes, growing pains. As I mature and evolve into the person who I am meant to be, may I never stop learning. I am grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving, Blogging Friends!!