Being Thankful

There is a painting of an old man with folded handed bowing and saying his prayers before eating that is seen in many midwest homes. I believe it is called, "Grace" by Engstrom. I went to my usual source for illustratory pictures (Google), and put in Grace + Engstrom under the find images function. The first hit I got was a picture of a woman named Grace Engstrom. I never found the painting. Must have the name incorrect. Anyway, here's to you Grace Engstrom.

We all have many things to be thankful to God for. Here is my short list:

My God whose grace keeps me going. I could not have lost weight this past year without lots of grace. He has been faithful over the years and my source of strength.

My husband. Faithful, funny, loving, thoughtful and pretty good looking. We are approaching forty years of marriage and hope for many more.

Our oldest son, Dan. It is wonderful to watch your kids mature and raise a family themselves. He is soft spoken and reminds me of my dad. He went back to college a few years ago and finished his BS in horticulture and now enjoys what he does for a living. Good job.

I am thankful for his wife Jen. In all the years they have been married I , as a mother-in-law, have probably done or said things that would offend but have never heard a harsh word from her. She is the perfect wife for our son.

Our grandkids Zach and Mina. Love your and wish you would slow down a bit growing up. It is going too fast for me.

Our second-born son, Dave. I am so proud of him. He is faithful to keep an eye on his "aging parents" and in the past year has set some amazing goals and reached them. He quit tobacco cold turkey. Way to go. He is our dependable house sitter when we travel.

Our only daughter. Everyone should have a daughter like Mary. She is a talented, lovely young lady. I enjoy her cheery email everyday. A daughter glues the family together and will keep everyone in touch long after the parents are gone. If you have a daughter you know what I mean.

Her new husband Mike. Worth waiting for him. They are still newlyweds and he is one of the most thoughtful guys I know. We are so glad she married him. My mom taught us to pray for good husbands by doing that herself. We did and got him as answered prayer.

Our youngest, Andy. The baby we didn't expect has rounded out our lives. Everyone said when I got pregnant at 40 that the baby would keep us young. I don't know about that, but it kept us involved with the young. He was so easy to raises and a very good kid. This year he will graduate from college and we can see he is more mature than many his age.

My sister. We share so much history and our gene pool. She has always been there for me.

My church. People who church hop a lot miss out on those long term relationships that make our church family special. I especially love the smaller size of the congregation that means you know people.

My country. America the beautiful.

Friends, old and new. It is wonderful to have the time to spend with friends when you are retired.

I don't have a dog, which would probably come next, so will be thankful my computer keeps me linked to others and gives me a place for self-expression on this darn blog.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, hopefully spent with those you love.