I am grateful for conviction, even though it is painful.

I am grateful for aunts and uncles who are close and who keep in touch.

I am grateful for poinsettias and roses and an amaryllis that are making home more beautiful right now.

I am grateful for a piano to play when I’m sad.

I am grateful that tonight is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on TV. Everyone should watch, because it is the best Christmas movie.

“THAT’S what Christmas is all about.”

I am grateful for three well-behaved young girls who carried great conversation with adults, who never once looked at a cell phone at the table, who were very respectful and kind and so pleasant as dinner guests. Kids don’t just morph into this – they are taught the way to act and behave. That causes me to be grateful for their parents, David and Julie.

I am grateful for someone’s lunch smell wafting down the hall.

I am grateful that today is Bingo day and I will see my friends again.

I am grateful for forgiveness when I am hypocritical.

And I am grateful for friends who took the time to write on a leaf and hang their grateful on our Thanksgiving Tree. It was a huge blessing to take the time to read them all after work yesterday and like a warm blanket for my heart.