give thanks

Never take what you have in life for granted.

Sometimes life gets the best of us and we let it pass us by, complaining about that slow driver we were stuck behind for ten minutes today, or the elderly woman in front of us at the post office. We don't realize how well off we are - how fortunate we are to be blessed with the family, friends and possessions around us.

Today I was told a story. A story about a young, mentally handicapped girl who was always as happy as could be. She came from a rough home life and was not raised with the best of parents or surroundings. One day, the young girl's mother decided to give her a present "just because." The next day the little girl came to school with her present, ready to show it off proudly to the rest of her classmates. The present was a dusty old jacket from her mother, something that most people would have stared at in disgust. But because that jacket came from that little girl's mother, she wore it like it was the finest gem in the world.

What if we all portrayed that same attitude? Thanked our parents each and every day for what we have, and never took one simple gesture for granted ever again. Yes, it seems difficult and near impossible, but how would that change our world. Putting a positive outlook on everything around you can make all of the difference in your day-to-day life.

My personal goal, as I embark on this new school year, is to truly be thankful each and every day with what I am privileged enough to have: a loving family, caring and loyal friends, healthy and accessible food and water, and the material possessions that I not only need but also want.

What are you thankful for? Tell me your story.