Clean drinking water
It’s estimated that 2 billion people globally don’t have access to clean drinking water. Many people around the world walk a long way to get water. We just turn on the faucet and have clean, safe water to drink. It is a simple privilege we often take for granted.
Soft bed
How nice it is to crawl into bed at the end of a long day. Oh the comfort of a soft bed to snuggle in and get a good night’s rest. And think about those chilly mornings when you get to stay in bed a little longer.
Warm blankets
My sister-in-law recently visited. I gave her an extra fleece blanket for her bed. She held it up to her face to feel its softness and remarked how much she likes fleece blankets. I couldn’t agree more. I love soft throws and blankets, especially for those chilly nights.
Heating and cooling
No matter the temperature outside, we can go into our home or office to escape the heat or cold. I can’t imagine having no heat or air conditioning, or even an electric fan, like they did years ago. We just adjust our thermostat and immediately the furnace or AC kicks on.
Cars
Have you ever followed a horse and buggy? You were probably looking for your first chance to pass because they go slow! I also heard a horse shouldn’t go a longer distance than five miles. Aren’t you glad for cars? I drive a lot and I’m so thankful for a reliable car.
Beauty of nature
There’s nothing that calms my soul and refreshes me like nature. Hiking in the woods, kayaking, and walking on the beach are some of my favorite ways to be outdoors. Even driving through the rolling farmland of our area is enjoyable.
Bird songs
My mom would know a bird by its song. She could hear a bird sing and identify it. I’m amazed at how they all have a special, unique song. I love to hear a chorus of birds singing happily from the trees. If you want to relax, listen to recorded birds singing in the forest.
Pets
You may like dogs, cats, rabbits, or reptiles. Whatever your preference, a pet is a wonderful companion. I have three dogs – 2 Frenchies and a Llewellin Setter. They enjoy walks, treats, sleeping in bed, and going with me to the office.
Abundance of food
I sometimes complain about having to drive to this store or that store to find what I want. The point is, I CAN drive to any number of grocery stores to find just about any kind of food I want. We have such a variety and abundance of food at our disposal.
Indoor plumbing
Although I’m thankful to find an outhouse when we’re out hiking or exploring, I am always more than happy to get home to my own bathroom. Hot showers, toilets, and sinks are things I wouldn’t want to do without!
Health
One of my friend’s was recently diagnosed with cancer. It makes you slow down and appreciate the good health you have. The ability to get up in the morning, walk and exercise, go to work, take care of your home, and just go about your day is such a gift.
Medical care
We live in a country with great medical care. If we’re sick, we can go to the doctor. If our tooth hurts, we can go to the dentist. Plus we have all the extras like massage therapists, nutritionists, naturopaths, and more. We have access to medical care and medicines that people in many parts of the world do not.
Walking trails
Our area has so many great walking trails, many of them are rail trails where old railroad beds have been converted to trails. Some of my favorites are the Ephrata-Warwick trail, the Northwest Lancaster River Trail, the Bear Hole Trail in Swatara State Park, and the Cornwall section of the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail with the old iron bridge.
Gyms
If we weren’t a sedentary society, we wouldn’t need gyms! According to the CDC, the average person sits 6 ½ – 8 hours a day. I’m at my desk and in my car a lot. I’m so thankful for my gym where I can lift weights to help me stay strong.
Telephones
I’m old enough to remember calling my friend as a kid on the kitchen phone with a cord attached. Then when I started driving, there were no cell phones to use if you needed to call for help, or use a map service for directions, or listen to your favorite podcast. Now I rarely go anywhere without my cell phone.
Computers
Computers are amazing, and all the software and programs available are mind blowing. I think about Canva, an online design program we use for work. We can design postcards, newsletters, flyers, and social media posts. And that’s just one program! You can pretty much do anything with your computer.
Music
Every morning when I get started at work, I turn on music. I like to change up the style depending on what I’m doing and if I want something energetic or calming. I almost always have music playing in the background and enjoy a variety of styles. How talented people are!
Dancing
So, if you didn’t know, I’ve done some ballroom dancing and swing dancing. I even choreographed a simple dance for my wedding to the song, “God Gave Me You,” by Blake Shelton. I really enjoy dancing and hope to do more in the future.
Movies
I don’t get to the movies often, but I do enjoy the experience. I love a good story, the cinematography, the music, and the talented acting. Of course, the reclining seats and theater snacks add to the enjoyment. What’s your favorite movie?
Theater
Live theater is one of my favorite treats! Some of my favorites have been the production of “Esther” at Sight & Sound, the “Christmas Show” at AMC, and the open air theater at Mt Gretna in the summer. There’s something magical about a live performance.
Nice home
There are always projects to do at home, and sometimes I complain, but I have a nice home. It’s warm and safe and comfortable. Most of us have a nice place to live with modern conveniences. We have plumbing and heating, soft beds and couches, and a living room and dining room to gather in. If we look past our to-do list, we can appreciate the nice home we have!
Friends
An elderly friend once told me, “Always keep your girlfriends!” I am blessed to have several close friends that I have known almost my entire lifetime. These kinds of friends know you well and are there to share in both life’s joys and challenges. I’m so thankful for my dear friends.
Children
If it’s National Daughter/Son Day, you will see social media blow up with photos and endearments. A child never leaves our hearts, no matter how old they are! I’m blessed to have two sons in their 20s, a daughter-in-law, a soon to be daughter-in-law, and a step son in eighth grade. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of them and pray for them often.
Spouse
No one is perfect, but I hope you found someone who is perfect for you! I am so thankful for my husband who takes me hiking in the woods, listens to me process about hard things at work, chops wood, garden, grills, builds stuff, loves my dogs, and helps me with so many things. I love doing life with him.
Parents
I was just thinking this morning of how blessed I was to care for my mom the last year and a half of her life. I have wonderful memories to hold onto. Both of my parents have passed away, but I have sweet in laws, Mom and Dad Krall, that I am so very thankful to have in my life. If you still have parents in your life, spend time with them and let them know how much they mean to you.
Relatives & Family
About six years ago I went through a very difficult time. I had this one cousin who was an absolute angel. She and her family helped me move, paint, haul trash away, and so on. What a blessing it is to have a caring family that you can have fun with and who is there to help when you need it.
Photos
One of my friends takes photos and videos of everything so she can look back and remember. I try to always get a picture when I meet a friend for coffee, have the kids over for dinner, and other special moments throughout the day, not just special occasions. Photos are such a treasure and become a memory box as time goes on.
Church and faith
For me, my walk with God is deep and personal. I am thankful for the freedom to attend church and express my faith, to read the Bible and pray, and to listen to worship music. I am thankful for my faith in God and the strength it gives me every day.
Money
We can all try to “be good” and say money isn’t important. But I sure am thankful for money when I buy groceries, fill up with gas, and pay my mortgage. I’ve lived with not enough and I’ve lived with more than enough and I’ve lived with just enough. It is a tool that helps us live our own lives and to help others in need. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
Work and career
I stumbled upon real estate eight years ago. I was driving by a sign that said, “Want to be a realtor? We will train you.” I had no idea what all that meant! I’m so thankful I took that step. There are so many wonderful people I have helped to buy or sell a property. I know how it affects their lives and their families. I’ve seen great happiness and also sadness. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of their lives in this way.
By Launch Kits