I am grateful for three pairs of socks, two layers of pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a CBA hoodie, a warm coat with a hood, Mom’s gloves, and Sam’s running stocking cap. I was relatively warm this afternoon while shoveling the drive. All I needed was a soft pillow to land on when I fell. Tonight, I am grateful for a soft couch to sit on and a warm fire in the fireplace.

I am grateful for the absence of those anxiety-producing feelings of waiting for my school to scroll across the screen, not wanting to go to work tomorrow and hoping for a snow day… I love my job and don’t mind going to work tomorrow morning in the bone-chilling cold.

I am grateful for my church that doesn’t cancel services for any reason. It was great to bust through the snow in the driveway and make it there a few minutes late this morning.  Great message, and worth the effort.

I am grateful for a budget to work from this year. A good start to fiscal discipline.

I am grateful for a nice day with family yesterday. 

I am grateful for a crowded apartment last night with family all cheering on the Chiefs. 

I am grateful that I do not have a credit card. 

I am grateful to have seen my cardinal friend out the kitchen window again this morning. I’m anxious to get my bird feeder this week.

I am grateful for John and Delbert, Annika and Logan and Quincy. They provided music for us and it was a beautiful gift.

I am grateful to have finished my Jen Hatmaker book and am now moving on to my Max Lucado book.

I am grateful to have sat in the living room last night, seeing Mom’s picture on the computer screen, seeing her empty recliner, and just imagining her in the room with all of us. She would have enjoyed the day with her sister and Johnson family, and would have loved watching football with her husband, kids, and grandchildren.  

I am grateful to be the daughter of a Mom who showed me compassion and understanding. I never doubted her love and support.

I am grateful to be the daughter of the best Dad in the world who still buys roses for the apartment and makes sure we know how much he loves us.  

And I am grateful for the smell of clean sheets.