Complaining and Thanking

It is so easy to fall into the habit of complaining. There is a lot to complain about in life, politics, religion, money, the behavior of others, and I'm sure there are things you could add to that short list. When I complain about something, I usually try to do it in my head and then get over it. I don't really see it as wrong because it makes me feel better, doesn't involve or hurt anyone else and gives me ideas on how I want to or not want to do that thing or think or be like the thing complained about (...if that made sense).

Now the reverse side of complaining is trying to appreciate what we have and giving thanks (in my case, I think God). I have much to be thankful for.

(I hope this does not turn into my acceptance speech. You know, the one that almost every actor/actress  says 'wow I was totally unprepared' then pulls out a list of who to thank).

1) I am thankful for my job. I enjoy going into my store and everyone knows me, and greets me. It reminds me of the show Cheers. I enjoy working nights, I enjoy my regular customers, I enjoy coffee, I enjoy the company of the people I work with, I am thankful for flexibility so I can go to school and participate in my other functions.

2) I am thankful that I am doing well in school. I have worked so hard this semester for the grades I am earning. It has been so hard with no computer until now, and unreliable internet use at home. I have spent numerous hours in the computer lab at school studying, working on labs and homework.
I am excited for next semester, and the challenges it presents. I have not been a full time student in several years. I am thankful that I was granted financial aid to assist my needs.

3) I am thankful for the opportunities that Trinity United Presbyterian Church have offered to me. I love helping out and sometimes teaching the junior higher kids in Elevate. I have seen some huge leaps in maturity and faith in the two years I have been volunteering.
For over a year and a half, I have been praying to become more involved in the church. I wasn't sure how, but I felt like God was going to be opening a door for me in the future. This past week I was nominated for deacon at my church and I am thankful for that consideration. 

There are many other things I am thankful for, and I tried to keep this list to three for now. It is important to not only be thankful on Thanksgiving, but thankful all the time. It is so easy to complain about the mundane life, and it is difficult to appreciate the mundane life from time to time. You are safe, healthy, and alive!