Always Something to be Thankful For

I'm back!  People who know all things computer make me smile at times like this.  (Ok, so at times they make me roll my eyes and huff in frustration...but at times like this...smile!)  It once again reminds me that people can use their powers (aka "smarts") for good or for evil!  I'm so glad to be back up and running....as I go on 3.5 months in Beijing. 

So, Thanksgiving just passed, and it is a good time to count your blessings.  However, this time of year is a wonderful time to help us see that we should be more thankful....all of the time.  I'm one who finds a few things to be thankful for every day, or every couple of days.  (Well, I try very hard to!)  After these months in Beijing, I am thankful in ways I never knew I would be!  I am learning to be thankful for the smallest, most (I felt) mundane things!  I am learning.....there are people the world over who don't take some of these things for granted! 

2011 Thankful For's.....

1. So thankful when I don't have to travel 2 hours by foot, bus and 3 trains to get to church because I can gather with others near my home. 
2. Thankful for my new air purifier so I don't feel hesitant to take a deep breath!  Maybe now only half my lungs will be black when I return! 
3. Thankful for days (few & far between that they are) when the wind & rain push the pollution away enough that I get to see the blue sky....and the buildings across the street.  (And, the other day I saw stars!  Lots of beautiful, shimmering stars in the sky!)
4. Thankful for clean drinking water!  I don't drink what comes out of the tap (that comes running through lead pipes), but we have clean bottled water. 
5. Thankful that not all children in China squat right where they are to "do their business" in their split crotch pants!  There are enough already!
6. Thankful for the things I have....because it is so hard (and time consuming) to get some things.  And, I am realizing how readily available things (necessary or [mostly] unnecessary) are in the states! 
7. Thankful when I recognize a few of the Chinese words that have been spoken and I can respond! 

I never thought those things would be on my list of Thankful For's.  Especially the bottled water!  I hate paying for water!  ;)  (You thought I was going to reference #5, now, didn'tcha?Tee hee! )   Well, here are a few of the more personal things I am counting my blessings for this year. 

I’m Thankful for the wonderful support system I have.  God has blessed me with amazing friends and family! 

2.      I’m Thankful God has kept me close when I began to wander, and that I didn’t settle for less than His best.  Nothing is worth more than His best for me!  I see the fruits of that decision daily! 

3.      I’m Thankful for the work that the Lord provided.  On a day not long ago, I asked for prayer for discernment, wisdom, and courage.  Discernment to hear from God, wisdom to know what it meant, and courage to obey!  I needed that courage....without it, this whole venture would not be possible! 

4.      I’m Thankful for the way I have grown this past year.  I have grown closer to God (in my relationship and bible knowledge), stronger professionally, and I am in a better place personally. 

5.      I’m Thankful for the opportunities I have right now!  Opportunities to live overseas, to travel the world, to learn a new language, to try new foods, to live with my sister, to have a new kind of work, to teach others, to meet new people, to share the true meaning of Christmas with little ones, and to continue on His path for me!  It's not easy, but following His will is always right! 

Have a great week, and even though Thanksgiving has past, maybe you can find a few things to be thankful for this week!