Threads of Gratitude: Birthday “Suit” Edition

Wait…that didn’t come out quite right.  *sigh*

Regardless, it’s Thursday, and it’s time for some gratitude.  And in honor of my 12th anniversary of my 29th birthday, I’m going to offer up 41 reasons I’m grateful.

DEBILY’S TOP 41: I’M GRATEFUL….

1. for another year to celebrate life, even if I am officially over the hill.  There’s no turning back now!
2. that my birthday landed on Easter this year.  It took on extra-special significance.
3. that Matt’s here to celebrate birthdays with me.  I kind of like having him around.
4. for my family: my mom and my children and my brothers, all of whom contributed to make my day special
5. for friends.  Once upon a time, I had no one to call my friend.  Now, my life is filled to overflowing with them.
6. for pretty dresses that make me feel beautiful.
7. for eyebrow waxes and manicures and pedicures that make me feel refreshed.  And young.
8. for peep-toed pumps that show off my pretty pink toenails.
9. for music that speaks to my heart and connects me to my God.
10. for a church that proclaims the truth and reaches out to hurting people.
11. for my loving God, who has drawn me to Himself and given me hope.
12. for the sacrifice of Jesus, who took the punishment I deserved so I wouldn’t have to live apart from Him for all eternity.
13. for birthday cake and rocky road ice cream.
14. for the 4-year-old classes at McFBC and their exuberant praise on Sunday mornings.
15. for the teachers in Promiseland who sing their hearts out and do the motions with me as we worship God each week.
16. for sunshine and warm weather.
17. for the Dallas Farmer’s Market.
18. for fresh fruit and vegetables.
19. for Big Gulps of Diet Coke and car cupholders that can contain them.
20. that my children have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus.
21. for my mp3 player.
22. for the songs on my mp3 player, even if some of them are “secular.”
23. for ab machines and treadmills and water bottles.
24. for family game nights and Conga and The Game of Life: Twists and Turns and Finding Nemo Go Fish.
25. for Facebook.  And all 539 friends I am connected to through it.
26. for rainy Fridays and sunny Saturdays.
27. for Ms. Kesler’s precious kindergarteners at Webb Elementary.
28. for kids eating free at IHOP.
29. for the inland sea oats that are thriving in my front flowerbed.
30. for the salvia that did not die after being banished in the garage for a week.
31. for the marigolds that are still blooming 2 weeks after I planted them.
32. for hot showers and cold air conditioning.
33. for The Princess Bride and Clue and The American President and Dave and Hoosiers.
34. for LOST and American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.
35. for baseball.
36. that the Rangers and Red Sox both won their opening games.
37. that the Yankees lost on opening night.
38. for the privilege of going to Uganda and meeting the children there.
39. for the hope of returning in August to see them again.
40. for Cadbury Creme Eggs.  Thank you, Easter Bunny! Bok!  Bok!
41. for the life God has given me.  I am blessed beyond measure.

As I look ahead to my *gasp* 13th anniversary of my 29th year, my future has never been more wide-open.  I’m eager to see where God will take me in the 365 days that lie in front of me.  May I never waste an opportunity to experience His blessing, be a part of His work, or follow His plan.  May I always be mindful of the reasons to be grateful along the way.