TO BE THANKFUL FOR - AUTHOR UNKNOWN

The mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

The taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed. 

The clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat. 

A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home. 

All the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

The space I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.

My huge heating bill because it means I am warm. 

The lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear. 

The piles of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear. 

Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.

The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm alive. 

Getting too much email bogs me down but at least I know I have friends who are thinking of me. 

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf. 

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you Lord, I can see. Many are blind. 

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden. 

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry. 

Even though the routine of my job often is hard, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job. 

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life.