Praise and Thanksgiving

I realized earlier this week that I have lost a vital sense of joy and gratitude in my life. I'm not sure what the culprit is, though I suspect Hebrew may have had something to do with it. Whatever the reason, however, it is not an emotional place I want to continue living in. As a response to the lack of joy (and because I was inspired by Mollie McComb's list of 'Things I Love' on her blog), I have compiled a list of things that I am thankful for, that give me joy, and bring a smile to my face . This list is not exhaustive or ranked in order. I just thought I'd do this little exercise to remind myself that I have been blessed in multiple and profound ways. So here it is. Some things that fill my heart with praise and thanksgiving:

1) Phone calls from my 11-year-old brother
2) The sound of my nephew's infant giggle
3) Sunny days
4) A slight breeze that brings refreshment
5) Dancing
6) Dressing up in silly ways
7) My new sexy little black dress
8) Lady Gaga themed parties
9) Meeting my friends' families
10) Ice cream
11) Chocolate of any and all varieties (possibly with the exception of toffee filled chocolate)
12) "Just because" visits, phone calls, texts, etc.
13) Letters in my mailbox
14) Road trips
15) Listening to neighbors and friends play guitar
16) Playing guitar
17) Children expressing their thoughts on God
18) Sitting by the water
19) Sitting on the Atchison's deck at sunset
20) Sunsets in general
21) Coffee dates
22) Adventures big and small
23) Hearing about people's lives, both their joys and struggles
24) Hugs
25) Cuddles
26) Kisses
27) Watching sports
28) Dark beer
29) Hot Cocoa on a rainy/snowy day
30) Fresh snow
31) Frisbee
32) Disc Golf
33) Long conversations with my mom
34) Photography
35) The way Henry tells stories
36) Leaves changing in Fall
37) Theological discussions
38) Seeing old friends
39) Exploring new areas of the country and the world
40) Indie Folk music
41) Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am"
42) 80's pop ballads
43) Swimming
44) Yoga
45) Sound View Camp
46) Camping with good friends
47) Walks
48) Hiking
49) Snuggling up with a good novel
50) Cooking, especially when the meal will be enjoyed with dear friends

That's just a small sampling of the many blessings in my life. I am so thankful for all that God has given me. It makes me sad how quickly I forget that I am blessed beyond words. It is my prayer that the next time I feel like complaining, my mouth instead is filled with thanksgiving for all that God has graciously provided me. It truly is mind-blowing to consider all that I have been given. God really is good and not just for what He has given me.