A Deep Sense of Appreciation

In lieu of Thanksgiving and the reminder from Pastor Brian to never lose your deep sense of appreciation, I started making a list of things that I appreciate deeply :)

30 things that I'm thankful for:

1. The change of seasons and the different colors they bring to the earth
   
2. Creativity and the opportunities to utilize and display it
3. People who give me tight hugs
4. A God who knows my heart and tenderly holds my dreams with care


5. My parents who love me allow me room to grow (even when it's on the other side of the world!)


6. My sisters who will do cheesy things with me just for the sake of fun


7. Rain. when I'm in a car. in my room. sitting on the porch. the sound it makes on the roof. the sound it makes when the wind blows it through the trees in my yard. the feeling of security and peace it gives me. how it feels on my open hand. the droplets it forms on my window.


8. All the customer service/public relations people that have ever served me in any sort of way. ie: custodians, secretaries, waiters, airline attendants/pilots/captains, etc.--all airport employees, pastors, technology support people, policemen, firemen, teachers, construction workers, realtors, fellow stage managers, amusement park employees, cashiers, baristas, bank tellers, anyone who has the desire to help in the medical field--God bless you, toll-booth operators, leaders who take people's attitudes so others don't have to...


9. Film-makers: yes I do appreciate the entertainment. Actually, a huge THANK YOU goes out to everyone involved in the production of movies, T.V. shows, albums, etc...


10. Authors--I do love a good read


11. Singers and songwriters! what can I say--you guys change the world.


12. Friends all around the globe-thank you for opening my American eyes


13. My peaceful home--and my peaceful room that I can escape to when I need time alone with Jesus
    
14. The ability to drive somewhere taking 10 minutes roundtrip, which would normally take an hour walking...


15. A comfy bed and a squishy pillow. enough said


16. The encouragement to DREAM BIG


17. God's promise. There's nothing to worry about, because He won't back down from His promise. [Ok, well then--use me as much as You want, God, cuz I'd rather play into Your plan instead of trying to fit You into mine!!]


18. The word, "the." It is, after all, used quite often; and I'm not sure what I'd do without it.


19. The ability to retain memories [and for my camera that helps capture them in a physical form]


20. The Holy Spirit who starts the day with me, helps me make decisions, and is always there to hold my hand. I mean...who wouldn't want that kind of friend?


21. Water and air conditioning on a hot day


22. Cleanliness


23. People who take the time to appreciate me


24. The opportunity to learn new skills


25. Relationships that allow me to be myself
    
26. Music. and how it fuels different emotions
    
27. On that note: emotions! without them, life would be pretty dang boring


28. Beautiful scenery and all of creation; and those who document it with a brush, paint, and/or writing utensils
    
29. Sweets! [ie: Krispy Kreme doughnuts, SourPatch, Pop-Tarts, Cinnamon buns, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Buttermints, Cake(from Costco!!), Snickerdoodles, Fudgy brownies.....ok, that's probably enough for now]


30. The ability to LOVE. the love between friends. love for my future husband. love for my family. love for those who don't necessarily like me. love for those in need. love for the church. love for the individuals in a crowd. love for God. love from God.