Not That I Speak in Respect of Want

Last Sunday at church we had several really great talks on gratitude.

I have reflected on my blessings.  I have many.  So I have decided to include some of the things I feel grateful for in all remaining November posts.

Today I am grateful that my husband has a job.  On Monday he went into the office only to be met with the surprise that his company had made the decision to lay off 40 people.  Those people were notified, and were gone, baby, gone.  Yesterday he came home and let me know that he is required to lay off and/or demote several people he works with.  Then he had to hurry home to go to traffic court with Lex.  And he's getting sick.  But he has a job.
I am truly thankful.

I am thankful for encouraging and forgiving friends.  Friends who help carry some of my load by offering to teach a lesson in Relief Society, to host the cheer team dinner, and to carpool my kids around when needed.  Friends who don't fret that I haven't called to chat in ages, or don't worry that I haven't returned their serving bowls I've had for over a month.  Friends that keep in touch with me, even if I haven't kept in touch with them.  Friends that lend a vehicle, and then fix it when it has a problem.
I am truly thankful.

I have deep gratitude for my children.  They have been helpful and kind.  They have not whined or complained when dinner isn't ready, or when it suddenly becomes a YO-YO night.  They have told me my ugly muffins, made in an attempt to do something motherly, tasted good.  They have been forgiving of my flailing, and patient with my adjustment from stay-at-home mom to working mom.  They have shuffled cars.  They have done countless dishes.  They have kept up on school work.
I am truly thankful.

Today Taylor and I will be having Thanksgiving lunch with Mauri at school.  I couldn't resist looking up the pictures from the past two years of this fun event, only to discover that Mauri wore the same shirt both years.  I will help her select another shirt for today.
I'm grateful to have the choice.

 2008

2009

From President Thomas S. Monson:
"Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings."

And a favorite scripture:
"Not that I speak in respect of want:  for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."  Philippians 4:11