REFLECTIONS - A LIST OF THANKS

I have been inspired this week by a post I read here, and it has caused me again to reflect on the things I am thankful for….. it has been a tough year this year and often my joy has been overshadowed by sadness and grief, and yet even in the midst of the sadness and grief I have still had lots to be thankful for ,  I haven’t reflected enough  on the very many blessings that we have still seen in our lives this year…  I haven’t always allowed JOY to have a place in my heart.  

So today I am choosing to think about the following quote and I am choosing to reflect and do my own list of things I am thankful for today.  

Simple memories  woven  together  to  create a beautiful  tapestry of life.

Road trips away together as a couple.... the chance to have heart to heart chats as we traveled down the road together, laughing together, singing together, quiet comfortable silent moments , just being together after having spent  weeks apart.  Blessed to have this time together....

Hitting the road together

 Thankful for our car that is reliable and gets us places safely, and for our caravan that has given us endless joy and moments of relaxation as we tow it around the countryside.  

Thankful for nutritious breakfasts and all the wonderful fresh fruits in season at this time of the year... thankful that we can sit in relaxation and enjoy this as we feel the gentle sea breeze upon our faces.... 

 Traditions..... and family time....putting up the Christmas tree and decorations... Reflecting on the Christ Child, and God plans for Salvation for us all in sending his son Jesus born as a babe in a Manager... So thankful for his birth, and the gift of Salvation through faith in Christ....

Thankful for our home...a roof over our heads... food on the table, and air conditioning to keep us cool in this heat.... thankful for music in our home and laughter and friendship. Couches to sit on, books to read. Thankful that we are able to use our home to entertain and to offer hospitality...

Moments of Wonder..... trips down memory lane....sharing the experience of the Christmas lights,  walking the streets,  chatting to strangers, reliving childhood memories as we walked through a  magical fairlyland street of Christmas lights....

 The colour blue.....the depths of blue in the ocean reflected from the blue sky above.... the wonder of colour....so thankful that we see the colours  in our everyday lives..... the feel of the sea breeze and the taste of salt.....our senses... and the wonder of the world around us.   

The beauty of the country we live in.... lovely long summer days.... long stretches of beach, the waves breaking in upon the shore... the privilege of holidays and paid leave so that we can enjoy our surroundings...

 The colours of the rainbow... caused by drops of water falling through the air.  It is usually seen in the sky at the end of a rain shower. Because of this, God said every time we see a rainbow it would remind us of His promise never to flood the whole world again and remind us of His love for us. The rainbow is a sign of God’s promise, that he will guide us thru any storm. And this year has been a storm for us.... what a confirmation that he is there for us and with us....

 The beauty of creation.... the colours in the leaves of trees... two trees standing side by side and yet each diverse in it's richness of colour...reminds me of each member of my family, all beautiful in their own richness of character and personality.... So thankful for each of them.

 The joy of seeing these beautiful creatures on the side of the road...  their cheerfulness and tameness.  A moment of happiness as we shared the beauty together.  

The ability to bless others. To give and not expect in return...To experience the joy in giving....

Simple memories.. watering the lawn.... the stars at night... the laughter of a child.... sharing your knowledge... flowers blooming in the garden... a cup of tea made with loving hands.... a kiss  on the cheek.... an awesome cuddle.....laughter at dinner... listening to Christmas Carols

 A beautiful sunset.... the colour of the sun.... the reflections on the water.... takes my breath away.
Time to sit and appreciate and reflect on the day.

I am so incredibly blessed...
Today I give thanks.
For all the good that I do not deserve.
For the year that has gone by.
For opportunities.
For simple little things.
For the moments of joy.