Things I Am Grateful For

Why am I grateful?

These are the first weeks of the new year, another chance to get it right, to do it over. To look back and remember lessons you learned from last year.

For me, especially after our eight-day fast, it's a time to reflect on how far I've come from the year before, from 5 years before, even 20 years before, to where I stand today.

When I realize how far I've come, it is amazing to me that I've even survived. There are many mornings that I cry......because I see all I've been through, all of the hardships, and the trials and pain that have endured in my life and I am grateful for all I have now. 

I, like all of you, have been through dark times, and I am grateful for the strength to come out on the other side whole. These are the things I am most grateful for...

1. I am grateful that I found God in my life again.

2. I am grateful for my girls, my family, and the friends that I chose for my family. These people keep me going, have my back, and give me unconditional love and support. 

3. That I overcame my drug and alcohol abuse.

That I no longer need these things to cover my pain or numb me.

4. That I learned to forgive.

 I forgave the man who raped me. I forgave my ex for all of his abuse and all my enemies for what they did against me.

5. I am grateful for the lessons I've learned.

Even the painful lessons because they all taught me something.

6. I am grateful for the peace and the joy I feel in my heart.

Because I know what it's like not to have it. 

7. I am grateful for your faith.

I am grateful for believing in something I can not see or feel or touch, but knowing without a doubt, it's there.

8. I am grateful for my health and my mind.

That, after all, I've been through, I still have both.

9. I am grateful for my purpose; this gift God has given me to write and to be able to touch and inspire others with my words.

10. I am grateful for all of the miracles I have seen God do in my life and in others and that I can pay it forward to be a blessing to others. 

So today, my friends look around to see what you are truly grateful for. The thing that makes you cry, when you are so full of gratitude, it is that you will know how truly blessed you are. 

"Be the change you want to see."