Ten Things of Thankful

This last week saw the end of one month and the beginning of another which leads us into another Ten Things of Thankful post.  If it weren't for my calendar, I don't even know if I would be able to consider specific thankful items.  General items would be fairly easy, but if I posted exactly the same things all the time, I don't think it would be of interest to most of you every week.  I'm not saying that some of the things might not sound familiar, but I hope to have more variety as I go forward.

My list

1.  I appreciate those who need help of some kind, because it gives me an opportunity to be of service.  Last Sunday, I led the music for the congregational singing in our chapel service.  The person who normally leads was on call for his job.  Due to a tickle I get in my throat quite often when I try to sing, I cannot sing with a full voice anymore, but with leading the singing of a large congregation, just mouthing the words or singing softly is okay.  Now that my shoulder is more flexible again after the fall I had almost a year ago, I can lead music again. (service, talents, improved flexibility)

 2.  It was nice to be able to visit with a friend one day this past week.  We haven't been able to get   together for a long time.  I enjoy her friendship.  She even sent me home with a pretty bouquet of flowers. (friendship, flowers)

3.  We were able to take a turn providing a meal for the missionaries of my church who serve in our area.  I tried out a new recipe which tasted okay, but in my haste I forgot to add some soy sauce to the sauce I was making.  I wondered why it was  so thick!  Fortunately, I remembered what I'd left out, and we added our own at the table.  I am thankful for humor being able to ease the little bit of embarrassment I felt at the moment.  (service, humor)

4.  A friend went to visit my Mom one day this past week.  I appreciate her making the time to visit her, even though it is more challenging to communicate with my Mom now.  I let my friend know what might make the visit more enjoyable for both of them. (friends, sacrifice of time)

5.  I'm thankful that departing from the nursing center after my visits with Mom have been a little smoother when I leave (meaning no tears from her).

6.  There were some things I needed to do this past week, that could have been more stressful, but as it turned out went fairly smoothly.  I needed to meet with someone at the bank, and at the SS office.  Because I already had an appointment scheduled at the SS office, I didn't have a two  hour wait ahead of me, and the person helping me was very efficient and helpful.  When I needed to schedule some appointments, make a call to the health insurance company and do some paperwork at home, there weren't any hitches that got in the way. (efficiency, less stress)

7.  There was a day when we had freezing rain one morning, but things warmed up in the afternoon, and I was able to drive safely to do what I needed to do. (melting ice on the road)

8.  Being able to make observations that help me see some kind of a contrast in life.  I was driving past a correctional facility this past week and observed more geese than one could count flying above the buildings.  The prison is built on some land that once had been a frequent landing area for geese and ducks, but now their landing area is much smaller.  If there had been some place for me to pull over and take a photo, I would have.  The thought that came to mind was the contrast between the inmates who lack freedom because of their choices and the geese which are free to fly wherever they wish. (life lessons and being able to see them, freedom to make choices)

9.  Family history has always been of interest to me, but this week as I was pouring over genealogical records online, I discovered something about my paternal grandmother that I had never noticed.  It was right there in front of my eyes on a census record, but I'd skimmed over that column in the past.  She had only gone to school for five years!  I would love to know why.  I can imagine some reasons, but there isn't anyone I know that might have the answers, at least now.  (ancestry.com, familysearch.org, inquiring mind)

10. My husband and I enjoyed a dinner out, and we both managed not to eat too much!  He has been doing much better than me on that count.  (husband, yummy food, self-control)