One of Those Weeks

I've had "one of those weeks".  I've been cranky, tired, and hard to live with.  I hate my job, I'm fed up with politics, I hate the teams going to the super bowl ...you name it, I've complained about it.  So, it's probably time to do a gratitude post.  What do you think? 

I'm thankful for my son.  He's 16 now, and starting to think about college, driving, and the typical things 16-year-olds think about.  I'm so incredibly proud of him.  At the end of May, as part of a requirement for earning a congressional award, he will be traveling to TURKEY for 21 days.  He will be taking classes there and teaching English for service credits.  Of course, he will also have plenty of time to explore.  As someone who has never been out of the country, I am incredibly grateful that he will have this wonderful opportunity. 

With his new passport...I'm kind of jealous that I don't have one. 

I'm thankful for my husband, who celebrated his birthday yesterday!  He inspires me every day to not focus on the negative and live for what we have today.  He is strong in his beliefs and values and does not back down from anyone who challenges his feelings.  Don't tell him I said this, but I kind of love that about him. 

I'm thankful for all of the material things with which we've been blessed.  A warm home, food to eat, clothes to wear, cars to drive, the things we daily take for granted. 

The car my son wants to drive

I'm thankful for my health.  I'm thankful for the ability to run and exercise when there are so many who can't. 

I'm thankful for music.  So often, when I feel sad or disheartened, I can sit and play the piano or just listen to music.  Soon, that sadness is replaced with peace and contentment. 

If anyone would like to buy me this as a gift, I would take it!

I'm thankful for living in Nevada.  Seriously, so beautiful!  God's creation is so prominently displayed in the mountains, the deserts, the lakes, and...wow...just look at these sunrises!

Driving in to work the other morning

The start of a run last week

I'm thankful for a GREAT 8-mile run today.  After a 6-miler earlier in the week, I felt like throwing in the towel altogether on this whole running thing.  My legs felt heavy, my breathing was labored, and it was just hard!  But, as always, every bad run will soon be replaced by a good one, and today was it.  It's the farthest I've run since the marathon, it was pain-free, and that love was back!  The sun was shining, the air was cool, and the sky was blue.  What more could you ask for?

What are you thankful for today?

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30)