Here is a quick list of a few things I feel thankful for...

Family

Beauty

Warm Drinks

A peaceful house

Conversation

The time & space to be creative

Worship

Friends who reach out

Purpose

Redemption

an abundance of friends doing Weight Watchers

clever words

dancing

the kindness of those who pick up Rachel

eye make-up remover

Coworkers

prayer

I am so thankful for the promise we can see in Paul's words in Philippians 4:4-13

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "

When I read this chapter it was amazing to see that our focus on "whatever is true, whatever is noble,..." comes right before the assurance that we can be content in any situation through "him who gives us strength." It think this is because there is a battle field in our mind. The battle is over contentment and peace and there is an army saying just what Satan told Eve in the garden of Eden- just take a bite of that fruit "You will not surely die, for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."We are tempted by the forbidden fruit of blatant sin, or more often in my world self reliance. So tonight I choose to be thankful. I choose to give up ownership of what I have for a peace that passes understanding. Thank you Lord for what you have given me. All of it. The difficult things and the generous things. Thank you.