It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to be thankful. In 1789 George Washington had the right idea when he declared the first National Day of Thanksgiving.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, our minds and hearts are refocused on our abundant blessings. We pause and remember.
Wouldn’t it be great, though, if we could take just 30 seconds each day and give thanks? After all, those simple every day blessings make life worth living.
I am grateful for…
•the sound of Deacon and Victor’s voices on the other end of the line
•a plate full of warm chocolate chip cookies and a cold glass of milk
•wagging tails that greet me, even if I haven’t been gone anywhere
•my warm, cuddly flannel sheets on a cold winter night
•students with neat handwriting
•cookbooks with color photos
•a lively Southern Gospel CD to sing along with in the car
•the first daffodil blossoms of spring
•snow days
•the opportunity to teach my eager young students to love, respect, and care for all living creatures
•a real bargain—50 percent or more off the sticker price
•old pictures of Deacon and Victor that instantaneously bring a smile or tear
•the laughter and tears I share with the women in my Sunday School class
•the opportunity to pick up the phone and call Mother and Daddy for advice
•Phillip’s support of my volunteer work–even though he humorously refers to it as jobs with NO checks
•readers (like YOU) that allow me the privilege of sharing my thoughts and feelings about animals and their environment.
Rascal appreciates…
•making new human friends who will shower him with love, attention, and yummy treats
•being chauffeured about town while taking in the sights
•the taste of cheese.
•a vigorous circling race around the yard with his favorite canine friend, Lady
•a sturdy squeaky toy–the louder, the better
•running through fresh-fallen snow
•a large portion of the couch for a nap with a human best friend
•a seat near an air conditioning vent on a hot summer day
•a leisurely walk around the neighborhood to visit with kind neighbors
•peanut flavored toothpaste
•sitting dry and comfy inside while gazing out at the pouring rain
•a lively game of keep away with his boys.
Lady gives thanks for…
•a spacious human lap to sit on and a loving face to lick
•a cool bowl of water to lap up after an energetic run
•butterflies in the yard to chase
•the cool shade of a tree in the heat of summer
•a larger canine friend (Rascal) who will often yield to her will
•canine ice cream
•a ball to catch and a kind, willing hand to throw it over and over and over again
•the lavender growing in the front yard that she loves to roll in
•strong boys that will carry her in their arms like a baby
•a crunchy ice cube to chomp
•an opportunity to jump up and sit in the swing with her human best friend or even a new friend
•an oatmeal shampoo accompanied by a chamomile conditioning rinse.
In the larger scheme of life, Lady would tell you, “You are truly blessed if you have a forever home filled with people who love and care for you!”
Rascal would reiterate, “Any day spent with those you love is a real blessing.”
May you, my dear reader, spend this Thanksgiving season in a forever home surrounded by those you love and those that truly love you, be they man or beast!
