Counting my blessings

Wow, its amazing what a huge turkey dinner and a 2 hour nap can do for you (I still feel in a drugged state, but I'm definitely relaxed).

So, its Thanksgiving, and although I know I shouldn't only think of the things I'm thankful for just one day a year, I figure this is a good opportunity to reflect on the blessings in my life. I'm not sure that I can actually think of and list all the things that I am indeed grateful for, but here are a few:

1) All the material comforts of home...the fact that I have a soft bed and warm shower, and computer, and food to eat (although at times like these I eat way too much and feel (almost) sorry I did)...the list goes on...

2) My family, whom I feel are the most loving and caring people a girl could ask for. My mom is always willing to go out of her way to help anyone who needs it (and she makes the best homemade buns ever!). My dad is a very straightforward person who's great at solving almost any problem you throw his way (that's why he had a perfect GPA in his University math and physics program). My older brother, although he did horrible things to me as a child, such as pour a whole bag of flour on my head while I was sleeping, or try and convince me when I was three years old to eat rabbit poo cause it was "chocolate", has developed into the most sensitive caring person, who could talk the ear off anyone who lends it, but also lend his when you needed to talk...I like to think of him as a mix of my mom and dad, because of his sensitive nature and his amazing problem-solving abilities (he too is a math geek of sorts...geophysics...don't ask me what that is). When I lived in Calgary, I could always count on my brother to drop whatever he was doing if I needed help (like the time the battery in Johnny 5 died, or giving me a shoulder to cry on if I was sad, and sharing in my victories...and feeding me supper on many occasions). And he got married, and my sister in law is very much like him, although she's not a math geek, she's more into the psychology like I am. My younger sister likes to "mother" everyone she's close too, including me, which I think is funny because I am much older and quite capable of making sound decisions for myself, but I know its because she has a caring and nurturing heart and will make a fine wife and mother someday.

3) My friends, some of which have been around since before I can remember. Who have shared good times and bad times as we learn of life together. Who pray with me and for me. The ones that know exactly what I'm thinking even though I haven't said a word, who don't take my occasional grumpy times personally (its usually just when I'm made to stay up past my bedtime...I cherish my sleep). The ones whom I can scheme up pretty crazy ideas with, and who are there to see them into fruition (ie. being rockstars and staying up until all hours of the night practicing our songs, playing "detectives" to solve the many mysteries of Cold Lake, dressing up like pumpkins and "trick or treating"...when it wasn't halloween). Oh man, how I love them and wish the best for them...

4) Music. I'm glad God created music and gave humans the ability to create it(as well as some animals such as birds, but not crows, their calls aren't music in my opinion) My guitar...its always there, soothing me with its soft, rich tone, allowing me to get lost in the music which seems to get a life of its own. The vocal apparatus, which is an instrument in and of itself that God gave to us...its so intricate, but can produce the most impressive variety of tones and pitches...and my first love...the piano...that, although my skills have long since ceased, the first 14 years of my life consisted of hours upon hours playing this delicate instrument. I hope to one day have a piano of my own so that I can embrace its melodies once more.

5) The beauty of God's creation. How many times have I walked in the fields behind my house, clearing my head of all the confusion of the day, smelling the sweet scent of wildflowers and clean air, seeing the occasional deer race through, watching bees fly around to collect pollen, even spiders (which I hate with a passion when they are found in my house) and how they spin their webs fascinates me. At night, I look up and stare at the sky for hours...the stars out here are amazing (I miss them when I'm in the city), and on occasion I'll see the northern lights dance across the sky. When I lived in Calgary, I loved to hop in the car and take a short trip to the mountains just to get away and think. They remind me of God's power, how He can create things so huge and beautiful with just one word. And Thetis Island...I have never lived in a place so rich in beauty, from the salty scent of the ocean, to the amazing sunsets every night, Fall, which seemed to last forever there, the little crabs that would scurry along the beach. It was there that I learned of the saving life of Christ, which brings me to my next (and last) point.

6) How amazing is it to think that our God died so that we could have a relationship with Him? That He Himself came down to earth, walked among us, as prophecied for years and years by the old testament prophets. Who showed love to those who most didn't think deserved as much as a "hello". Who demonstrated that true religion isn't following a bunch of rules, rather takes place first in the heart, and then is displayed through actions...taking care of orphans and widows, doing unto others as we would have them do to us, loving God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. Who loved and prayed for those who persecuted Him, and taught us to do the same. Who bestowed on His believers His Spirit to guide us and help us in following His example. Who reminded us that Heaven is our final destination...that things of this world are just temporary...I could go on and on and on...

Yeah, I'm a pretty lucky gal to have these things in my life.