Things to be thankful for

I've been sitting around pouting about my Thanksgiving weekend. I've been feeling sorry for myself and my family and whining that it was a terrible, horrible Thanksgiving. Well, I've decided that maybe I aught to count my blessings instead of whining.

Ok, so all 4 of my children and my husband had the stomach flu within a 2 day period. We didn't get to eat Thanksgiving dinner with everyone all together, although we still went later and did get to eat (those of us who could!) I spent a night without sleep caring for my two sick babies while my sick husband spent a miserable night of his own.

So what!?! I should be grateful! All of these things are minor setbacks that in no way affect my Thanksgiving. This holiday is a feast of celebration and gratefulness for all of the blessings God has given us. Here are the things I am thankful for, things that no stomach flu could ruin or take away.

1. I have four beautiful, relatively healthy kids. None of them have any horrible, terminal illness. All of them are still here with me.
2. I have a wonderful, helpful husband who does everything he can to make my life easier.
3. I have a warm, comfortable home where my family can be safe from the elements and from the world outside our door.
4. We have plenty, and I do mean PLENTY to eat. I never have to comfort a starving child who has to go to bed hungry because I have no food for them, and no way to provide food for them.
5. My husband has a good job in a secure career field. We have the money to provide for our needs, and for a few of our wants as well.
6. I have a wonderful, supportive extended family; and a handful of truly fantastic close friends.
7. I have sunsets and sunrises; oceans and lakes; beautiful silent forests; and majestic mountains to enjoy.
8. I have cell phones and airplanes, and the internet to keep me connected to all the people I care about wherever they may be.

* Ok, maybe I should have started with these last two points, but then where would my conclusion be? *

9. I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, no matter what, and who has provided all of these amazing gifts in my life.
10. I have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who loves me so much that he gave his life for me... For ME of all people! He suffered all for me. He knows every pain and sorrow, and he chose to endure them for me, so that he could understand me when I whine. Now really... what do I have to whine about?