Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving just around the corner I am reflecting on what I am most thankful for.  As most people, I am thankful for the familiar list of family, friends, health, and opportunities.  But taking it a step further, exactly why am I thankful for these things in particular?  I'll attempt to explain...
I am thinking of a family that suffered tragic loss October 3rd of this year when their only 2 sons ages 17 and 13 died in a car wreck.  It was early morning and the boys were headed home after a morning of hunting to have breakfast with their parents before heading to church.  I am thankful that my husband and I will get to enjoy another breakfast with our precious children tomorrow.  
I am thinking five years back this December when I went into the hospital on bed rest while I was 33 weeks pregnant with Betsy.  We were 45 minutes away from our home for 4 weeks.  Betsy came 5 weeks early.   I wasn't quite ready for her arrival!  So many friends helped us out during that time taking care of our dog, getting our mail, buying baby items that I hadn't gotten around to getting, and the list goes on and on.  I am thankful for the wonderful friends in my life that always seem to be there right when I need them. 
I am thinking of a dear friend who suffered from cystic fibrosis his entire life.  He always had a great attitude and never let his illness get him down.  He was called home almost 4 years ago but in the last few years of his life on earth he was so sick.  He took handfuls of pills to be able to what most of us take for granite being able just to do.  I am thankful that I can get out of my chair with ease after I type out this entry, walk down a flight of stairs, and go outside to enjoy some time with my children.
I am thinking about people in far off places that won't ever read this blog because they will never be allowed to learn how to read.  People in far off places that won't be able to enjoy the next few days complaining about how full they are because the poverty in their area is such that they are lucky to get one small meal a day.  I am thankful that I have so many opportunities that I am exhausted at the end of some days trying to fit it all in.

So I close with this prayer of thanksgiving for Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father, thank you for family, friends, health, and the opportunities that you give us each day.  Help us to remember those that are suffering during this holiday, that they may be filled with peace and feel your love envelop them.  Keep us mindful of your many blessings in this life.  Help us to use all our opportunities to bring glory to your name in some way, whether it be big or small.  In the Savior's name we pray, Amen.