What is there to be thankful for?

There are so many that we get easily frustrated with these days, it is easy to forget that we are called to be thankful in everything. Tim and I spend some time every night (well, most nights) in prayer ~ remembering the things from the day to be thankful for, and lifting up to God our cares. We have made a concerted effort to list as many things to be thankful for as we do our 'requests'. Some nights, it is quite an effort. In a day of wild kids, messy house, laundry etc., it takes more thought and reflection to find those hidden, or ignored, blessings. This excercise has helped me to open my eyes to the wonderful ways God has blessed us, even in the midst of trial.
We are thankful for:
Our children. We are amazed at their humor, their excitement, their love of life, their sensitivity, the way they cuddle down to read books with us before bedtime.
Our community. We are so thankful to be committed to a church community that is committed to us~to our children to our discipleship. We are thankful to be in a church community of people who are real: real love, real pain, real friendship, real joy, real search for faith.
Great Bible study groups. To help us along on our journey.
Our families. For the people who have supported us and loved us.
Looking back at the small things (laundry) that get us down, we are glad God has taught us to find joy. Looking ahead at the huge things that face us, like Tim's mom's fight with cancer and her upcoming bone-marrow transplant, we take comfort in knowing that He is with us each step of the way. That alone is something to be thankful for.