Here in America, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. What are you thankful for?

It’s customary to be thankful for everyday things, like our health, family, and friends. We should indeed cherish those we love, those who are dear to us, and those who warm our heart. Those special people are probably at the top of most people’s gratitude lists, including mine. Knowing that there are others who can’t have children, or who are lonely, breaks my heart. Life, family, and friends are so very precious, and I’m grateful for these wonderful blessings that God has given me.

Each November, my students make a craft listing some of the things they’re thankful for. It’s wonderful that they always say their family and pets. Some of them are thankful for things that are important from a kid’s perspective, such as their Nintendo or TV. And usually, a few will tug at my heart strings when they write they are thankful for me being their teacher, for hugs, and for uniquely childlike things like glitter and Band-Aids.

We can have a spirit of gratitude, yet still overlook the unusual or less obvious things in our life. If you’re a regular with my blog, then you might remember that I have been keeping a gratitude journal for the past couple of years. I try to write about these less traditional blessings in my gratitude journal, and it’s been fun to reread through the pages every once in a while. Below are some of my favorites, as well as a few new ones that I’ve been thinking about as I’ve been working on this blog post.

• thankful for leftovers (especially those from a Thanksgiving feast)
• good books
• very grateful for hard-working farm workers
• chocolate, especially truffles and Reese’s peanut butter cups
• grateful that nobody can read minds
• grateful for honey bees
• thankful for hot air balloons (my children and I saw three on our way to school the other day)
• Teacher Appreciation Day
• thankful that my children and I like putting together puzzles
• scented candles
• grateful for the “snooze” button
• thankful for my huge back yard
• autumn leaves
• good conversations, even if they’re email correspondences
• the delicious smells of a BBQ
• grateful for soft, quiet mornings
• thankful for clouds that are in fun shapes and for colorful rainbows
• music (and the emotions it evokes or the memories it brings back)
• grateful for my cute rain boots to wear on a rainy day
• the smell of library books

I encourage you to think about the people and things for which you’re grateful. If they warm your heart, make you smile, bring you joy, or brighten your day, then you’re certainly blessed to have them in your life. Be sure to thank the people who are dear to you. Appreciation and gratitude go a long way.

Thank you, God, for these many blessings! Have a lovely Thanksgiving, readers! Feel free to leave me a comment with some of the more unique things for which you are grateful. Thanks!

As always, thanks for stopping by. ❤