Family.
Friends.
A house to live in.
Food to eat.
A car to drive.
A job to work at.
My church.
A laptop and phone.
The finances to cover what I need and some of what I want.
Books to read.
Warm blankets and a soft bed.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve noticed I often view thankfulness in terms of “things.” It’s good for me to be thankful for these, as many people in the world lack what has become so commonplace to me. But what I rarely remember to be thankful for are the moments that make up my life, from the big ones that have made me sit up and take notice of what’s going on around me, to small ones I’ve seen become something bigger later on, to the ordinary ones that simply compose my days.
My thanksgiving often narrows in on the small details of the picture, but fails to be thankful for the whole scene. “Family” and “friends” make my thankful list each year, but I usually only think in terms of the people, not in terms of the relationships–which are what I really mean to represent when I list the people. I forget to thank God for the pieces of my story I’ve seen come together, sometimes in surprising ways–or even in ways I didn’t want, but have learned to see the value of.
This past summer as I cleaned and packed up my room at my parents’ house, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I found countless reminders of the relationships that have added so much to my life and to me as a person, from notes of encouragement to photos to ticket stubs. It is so cliche to say, “I don’t know where I would be without these people,” but I truly don’t know where I would be without these people and the relationships that have given me so much.
So while it is good and fitting for me to be thankful for my family, my friends, my job, my church, my car, this year my thankfulness feels much bigger–it is not for the details, but for the whole scene.
~Brianna!~
p.s. What are some of the big picture things you’re thankful for?
The Art of Becoming 
I think “health” is one thing people tend to overlook. Having had some issues myself I have learned the importance of it. Other things matter a lot less if you’re not healthy enough to enjoy them. I am also thankful for food and the ability to eat whatever, whenever I want.
Oooh, that’s a good one. I definitely don’t think to be thankful for my health nearly enough. It seems like one of those things that you often don’t truly appreciate until you don’t have it. Thanks for reading, Tonya.
I’m thankful for my marriage. Not just my husband, but that our marriage has gone incredibly well. I know we have a ways to go yet, but I can’t help but be grateful that our first year has been so smooth!
And, of course, many more things:) Happy Thanksgiving, Brianna!
I love that! People often talk about being thankful for their spouse, but you don’t often hear them say they’re thankful for the MARRIAGE. It’s a different–and lovely, I think–way of looking at things.
Happy Thanksgiving, Ahna! 🙂