My Christmas "Thank You" List

[beingcricket]

... instead of a Christmas "Wish" List.

I was thinking today that, though we are sacrificing buying each other gifts and mailing gifts to our nieces and nephews, we really are lucky compared to a lot of people, in that our not having any money around Christmas time is only affecting us for the most part. So, Thank You, God, for:

Not giving us kids that we would have to figure out how to feed and clothe and buy presents for right now. Thank you for giving those kids to someone that could provide for them and make Christmas happy for them. Thank you for giving us the strength to make the decision not to have those kids when we knew it would be better for them to not be a part of our lives.

Giving us each other. If I didn't have Tom to survive this very scary financial storm, I don't know what I'd do. We have a support system in each other that is tremendously strong. Thank you so much for that. Having Tom with me is all I really need for Christmas. He is a wonderful partner to have in life.

Making it so easy for both of us to give up the idea of receiving presents. I don't know why it's been so easy to change our way of thinking on that, but I don't think either of us resents it or even puts any thought into it. We can't afford it, so we just don't do it. Not everybody has someone with them that would take that as easily. Thank you for the strength of Tom and my relationship that we can weather this together and understand the need for the tight ship this year.

The amazing family that we have that will be just as happy getting a phone call from us on Christmas day as a box of presents or a card. Thank you for their wonderful attitudes and the positive relationships we have with all of them. Family is the greatest gift, and it really is quite amazing how wonderful both of ours are. Thank you, God, for them.

My health and Tom's health. We have aches and pains, but neither of us has a serious disease or condition that has to be treated constantly or repeatedly. Neither of us is so overweight that we can't function in daily life. Both of us are able to stand and walk and breathe and talk and hear and see and feel. We have our minds. We have the ability to love. Thank you for the gift of health, God.

My relationship with You. My whole concept of Hope is centered around the fact that I believe in Your power. I have faith that my life is going to be good and that You will provide. I have been able to turn to You before I had Tom in my life, and even in the tough times we have had together. Having You in my life gives me the strength to go on and to have hope. Thank You, God, for Hope.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

Love to family! Hope everybody is having a good day!

C