by Jannita Simpson

Created on: May 02, 2008

Being thankful is not something we think about only at Thanksgiving. Or at least, it shouldn't be. Life these days is tough for most of us. It is easy to give in to the stress of daily life and complain about all the things we think are wrong with our lives. We all do it. Gas prices are way too high, people are losing their jobs, the economy stinks. Yea, it's easy to find all the bad things. But, everyday, I find time to thank God for all the things in my life that are good, and sometimes even things not so good that make me a stronger person.

I thank God everyday for getting myself and my family through another day. Sometimes, just getting out of bed can be daunting, but doing it, and getting through the day is definitely something to be thankful for.

I thank God everyday for my two beautiful children. They are great kids, and make me proud everyday. And they are healthy. I also thank God everyday for my husband, my parents, my family, friends and anyone who has a special place in my life.

I thank God everyday for my job and my husbands job. Especially my husbands' job. He works in the auto industry, and we all know how bad that industry is right now. So, the fact that he is still working is something to be extremely grateful for. But it's not just the jobs I'm thankful for. It's also the things that go along with those jobs: money, obviously, but also benefits, and all the friendships that have come through our jobs.

I thank God for giving us a roof over our heads, food on our table and clothes on our backs. Basic necessities we take for granted.

Last, but certainly not least, I thank God for always being there for us. I always seem to be asking God to watch over someone who is having a hard time, whatever that may be. It feels like I am always asking God for his help with one thing or another. And I know he hears me because many times things work out when I was certain they would not. Being thankful should be just as natural as asking for things.

So, take the time today to express your thanks. If not to God, then to whomever it is that did some small (or even big) thing to help you, or lift your spirits. It makes people smile, and that is always a good thing to be thankful for!

Learn more about this author, Jannita Simpson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.