Thankful

Instagrammed

I am currently reading this book by Francis Kong, "The Early Bird Catches the Worm But the Second Mouse Gets the Cheese."  I was on the Acknowledgments page when I read these beautiful words about
BEING THANKFUL.

• I am thankful... For the husband who complains when his dinner is not on time because he is home with me, not with someone else.
• For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes because that means she is at home and not on the streets.
• For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.
• For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
• For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
• For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
• For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
• For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.
• For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
• For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
• For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.
• For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
• For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.
• For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.
• And finally, for too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL.  THERE ARE JUST SO MANY GOOD THINGS GOING FOR US.

As I was typing the words, I couldn't help but feel very blessed.  Every single statement is true, and I bet you could add more.  God is sooooo good that He showers us with sooooo many wonderful things each day, but sadly, we often overlook the good and see the not-so-good instead.   This I am guilty of. =(  For instance:  I normally dream about work, and I almost always end up awaking tired or with a headache. Now I realize that I should be grateful.  It only means that I have a nice job that's far from being boring, and that's why I even dream about it!  =D  Hmm, can you think of other blessings in disguise? :)  

• For the scorching heat of the summer sun, because it means that we're dry and calamity-free (Remember Ondoy and Sendong?) :)
• For our mommies who talk non-stop, because it means they are here with us and they care. 
• For our strict fathers who track where we go and what we do, because it means we have doting daddies who remain concerned even if we're already old enough. :)
• For the huge or heavy responsibility at work, because it means we are trusted.
• For the credit card bills we receive each month, because it means we're capable of paying (or we won't be approved by the bank to begin with). =D
• For not being able to book that Cebu Pacific promo flight, because it means we have resources to travel if we want to.
• For our nerve-racking exams, because it means we are privileged to go to school.
• For not having a significant other yet, because it means God is painstakingly finding only the best one for us.
• For our broken heart, because it means the wrong one has gone and we're now free to meet the one meant for us.
• For the long queue at the ATM machine, because it means we have money to withdraw.
• For the trouble in choosing which dress to wear every day, because it means we have more than enough in the closet.

This list could go on and on and on and on!  Try to think of one, and you'll realize how nice it feels to acknowledge and count our blessings.  And don't forget to thank God while at it! :)  Feel free to leave a comment if you wanna add your entry to the list.

Happy and blessed,