Thankful in all things

 At the beginning of 2000, I was in Uganda, miserable.  All that was familiar was gone, and I felt stripped of my identity.  I wrote "my boss," mentor, and friend Rosemary Jensen and said I couldn't do this missionary thing.  I was hoping for a response that included plans for my return to the US.  I received instead a simple email telling me to make a list of all the things I could be thankful for.  I was not pleased with that answer.  I began with a rather sarcastic list that made me laugh.  That email began a practice that I still try to implement, especially in life challenges.  I do believe there is a transforming work by expressing thankfulness towards God.

As I am now without a cast and in the final stages of healing my wrist injury, I want to share my gratitude list.

• The injury happened AFTER I was able to have my super fun weekend with Avery, Livie and Elias while their parents were away.  
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• It was my wrist and not a leg or hip.
• It was my left and not my right.
• The injury did not keep me from being able to work.
• It was done on work time, so Workman's comp paid the bills.
• I was sent to an orthopedic office less than a mile from my house that has a fantastic team.
• Peter was understanding when we had to change his birthday plans.  The accident happened on his birthday.
• The injury inspired my trunk-or-treat theme.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Jade's sister was able to bring her as I could not maneuver her wheelchair in and out of the trunk.
• The kids at school were very sympathetic.
• For my mom, Kim, Joy, Laurie, and Cindy who all washed dishes for me.
• For church friend,  Lisa who drove Mom and I, to Mom's appointment in Atlanta when I was not comfortable highway driving.
• For the church friends who came to my house to help with chores.  Big shout out to the Atwell family who came and helped inside and outside my house one Friday afternoon.
• For the opportunity to slow down, practice saying no and be home a bit more.
• For feeling the love and care from my church.
• For a reason to get a manicure fancy nails!