thankful.

1. Who do I appreciate? my family, friends and God. 

2. How am I fortunate? i have family & friends that love me. a job that i love. Jesus who died for my sins. 

3. What material possessions am I thankful for? my apartment. my car. my computer & my new camera (canon rebel).

4. What abilities do I have that I'm grateful for? my ability to teach.  i teach preschool and hear SO many times "oh, so you're like a babysitter?" um, nope.  on the other hand, i heard a few months ago from a stranger "you have to have good preschool teachers because it sets the standards for those children for the rest of their school career."  amen to that.  

5. What about my surroundings (home/neighborhood/city/etc.) am I thankful for? i still live close enough to my parents & sister to visit.  but of course i always wish i lived closer to my extended family. 

6. What experiences have I had that I am grateful for? that I became a Christian almost 2 1/2 years ago. it has changed my life. about 10 weeks ago i started doing Bible memorization at my church.  so far, i have memorized 21 verses.  i didn't think i was going to be able to do it, but have surprised myself. 

7. What happened today/yesterday/this week/this month/this year that I am grateful for? thanksgiving this past week. i was able to see my family and spend several days with them. there are so many times that i wished i lived closer to them, but treasure the time i actually do get to spend with them. 

8. What opportunities do I have that I am thankful for? teach preschoolers. they are at a fun age where they like to learn. i love to see their faces light up when they think something is "cool" or shout "wow" or even say "ms. rachel, you're silly."  puts a big smile on this girls face. 

9. What have others in my life done that I am thankful for? sounds corny, but it is true...my friends & family are simply there for me.  they love me and accept me for who i am and will help me whenever i need it. 

10. What have others done that I am benefiting from in my life (even if I don't know who those people are)? Jesus. he died for everyones sins so that i can live the life i lead.  also, the men & women who are serving to protect this country.  i can't possibly imagine doing what they do. but they do it proudly, with honor and dignity, and love of their country.  thank you & God bless you!

11. What relationships am I thankful for? my parents & sister.  i get along GREAT with my parents.  they mean the world to me and am so blessed to have parents who do so much for me.  my sister and i have busy schedules but are always there for one another.  

12. What am I taking for granted that, if I stop to think about it, I am grateful for? that i have the ability to be living in my apartment.  a lot of people aren't able to live on their own (with out having a roommate or living with their parents) so i am very grateful i am able to do that. 

13. What is there about the challenges/difficulties I have experienced (or am currently experiencing) that I can be thankful for? (e.g., What have I learned? How have I grown?). challenges are indeed difficult.  and they suck at the time.  a big challenge i had this year was when my ex broke up with me.  i didn't see it coming at all and my heart hurt a lot.  but it has been for the best and made me grow a lot.

14. What is different today than it was a year ago that I'm thankful for? i have started my second year of teaching.  people always say that your first year of teaching is your hardest, and i agree with that. but i made it through!

15. What insights have I gained that I am grateful for? i had a teacher in high school that always used to say "enjoy the struggle."  when i first heard her say that i thought she was crazy (because she was kicking my butt in aerobics class at the time).  but it is something i have learned to appreciate.  life isn't always easy. it has its ups and downs and struggles.  but you will get through it. so while you are going through it, remember to enjoy the struggle. 

what are you thankful for?

taken from the shine project.