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There are those that are grateful for the intangibles in life, such as family and friends. I harbor those same feelings.

I am thankful for other things in my life that make it a bit more pleasant as well. A roof that keeps the sun and the rain outside. A source of cool air in the summer and warm in the cooler times. Running water at the turn of a tap. Food to eat, clothing to wear, a bed to sleep on. Transportation, and a series of roads to take me from place to place. Gas to power my transportation.

Sounds a wee shallow, but my thanks is deep and heartfelt for these things because there have been times in my life when I have not been blessed with what some take for granted. I don't have a lot, but I do have more than many, and I am aware of that.

I'm thankful that I have learned to do without and make do and make over. I'm thankful that I have no desire to compete with 'the Joneses'. I'm thankful for the ability to be able to deal with what life throws at me- although sometimes it is more than difficult to do so. I'm thankful that I came of age well before the age of PDA's, cell phones and flat screen TV's and the Internet- for that afforded me the opportunity to manage my life, communicate with the world and be entertained independent of 'electronics'.

More than anything, I'm thankful that I am living in a country that while not perfect, does afford me opportunities and choices that are not so readily available elsewhere.

Such beautiful thoughts Sherri. Mine too go along the same path too. I'm also thankful that even though many trials and tribulations have come my way, I was able to overcome them and be grateful for what I have. Thankful for the love of my friends and children that have always stood beside me and thankful for the health the good Lord has given me, even tho' I sometimes complain, Ugh! I can walk and take care of myself and that I am very thankful too. I'm so glad I can look back and say I'm still here with all of you that have made my life so enjoyable because I'm so far away from home!! Thank you for your friendship. You all have a wonderful Thanksgiving now. :-)

Where to begin? Of course, I start off being grateful the faith that my parents gave to me, a faith that has held me in good stead all these years, through good times and bad; my husband--what a blessing he has been--a rock, a shoulder, a "blankie", a post, a pillow--whatever I ever need, he's there to provide it; my children--each one so different and each one so loving and so loved; my grandchildren--an extension of their parents in so many ways, yet so distinct in their own ways; my Mom--soon to be 90 years old, hard-headed, stubborn, faith-filled, loving, kind, generous,and on, and on, and on; my careers--teaching and nursing, both so rewarding in so many ways; all the comforts of life--we are FAR from rich in things of this world, but we want for very little--we have a home that we own, completely furnished with even a few luxuries (TV, computer, etc.), we a car for regular stuff and a truck for hubby, we have plenty food--probably too much, we can get dressed comfortable and look pretty good, again, we have everything we need. Thankful? I am blessed with all that is good in my life, and I thank God for all that I have and all that I am. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of you, too, friends for which I am also thankful.

I am thankful that I was able to raise two children alone, successfully. There were times when I didn't think I'd get throught it, or they wouldn't, but we all did. I am thankful my ancestors came to this country, where we now have so many opportunties and freedoms. I am thankful for the skills necessary to make decisions and follow through with them. Without them I would have been lost. I am thankful I can study health and mindfulness, to keep myself strong. I am thankful I am around to cook another Thanksgiving dinner.

I think I am most thankful, at this time in my life, for my independence. Yes, living in a country that espouses freedom, living in a society that accepts women as individuals and allows us to succeed, and freedom to choose where I live and how I live. At least, to some degree.

In order to be thankful for my independence, I have to be mindful of the people who helped me achieve it: my parents for raising me in love, my husband and children who put up with me when I was going to school, and my friends, who helped me get through it.

And now, my parents are gone, my husband and I are divorced but still friends, and my children are grown and busy with their own lives. And I am here, on my own, making the best of my life and thriving in the doing. I have a rewarding job, for which I am also thankful, a roof over my head and a very promising future ahead of me.

If it weren't for those people who believed in me, I might not have believed in myself. And so, thank you to all of them, and all of you, for your support and encouragement.

I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. May you find an abundance of gratitude for those things in your life that have defined you and helped you believe in yourself.

Cali

........I am thankful to have met many interesting peoples here, and the many whom are my friends now. You all have become a sort of extended family to me that we care about and sometimes support one another with exchanges of ideas and kind words of encouragement, and sometimes even love and passions. Thank you all....

I am thankful for the green pasture I find myself in, though sometime it be soggy, I have the wool to keep me warm. I am thankful the place I toil in, where it is often gray, but we have a union to keep the wolves at bay.
I am thankful for my wife, who tries so hard to be a good wife, mother and worker, and to keep us laughing and happy too.
I am thankful for the Good Shepherd, lest we, like sheep, be led astray.

There is so much to be grateful for. Life itself is very gratifying for me, all the people I meet, I have food to eat, clothes to cover and to protect my body, I can sleep warm and safe. I learned to love everyone we all feel the same.May you have an abundant Thanksgiving.

Don't want to be bring and wordy..
Just thankful, grateful,satisfied with the life I've been given and the grace to meet the challenges.
Hugs,
Karen