Blog Challenge: Treasures

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

This week, think in terms of Thanksgiving. Even if you aren't in the USA, really think about the things you're blessed with. But don't blog about the general stuff. Don't make a quick list of what you're thankful for. Don't do a half-hearted attempt at the generic "I'm Thankful for" blog. Instead, meditate on the above quote, and then write.

There is so much I can give thanks for this year.

I have a beautiful new house that I enjoy every day. It thrills my heart to hear my kids playing together in the back yard. I get happy when I can spend some time in the scrapbook room my ever thoughtful hubby asked the builder to include for me in the plans. Its pink color warms my heart!

My husband has a job that he enjoys, and it allows me to be able to stay home with my kids. I am constantly thankful that it is ME who picks up the kids from school every day. I'm blessed to have the freedom to be so involved in my kids' lives.

My children are healthy. They're happy. They love each other. They do fight, but they do have their moments of expressing genuine adoration for one another. Those moments make me so very proud.

My parents are still alive. And more than that, they're still married after 37 years. And yet still more than THAT... they still LOVE each other after all that time. They still smooch on each other and travel together and enjoy being in each other's company. THAT'S amazing. Their marriage was a good model for me.

I have a great sister. She and I have a great relationship. That's something to be grateful for, because in this era of dysfunctional families, not many people can truly say they get along well with their siblings.

But this year, at the top of the list of things I'm praising God for, is FRIENDSHIPS.

As I blogged about a few days ago, it's been a difficult year. The depression I wrote about afflicted me for months before I did anything about it. I let a lot of my friendships dwindle to the point where I was left with just one really good friend. I regret that.

So this year I'm grateful for that one friend that's left. She and I have grown closer this year. I love her and am very happy to have her in my life.

I'm also exceedingly thankful for new friends I made when I went to the ScrapShare Texas retreat. I may not be able to talk to them much, but I know they're there for me when and if I need them. They rekindled a fire in my soul that has been dormant for a long time. They made me feel alive again, reminded me that I need female friendships.

This group of women, each one of them unique and gifted and talented and strong, loved on me and joked with me and insulted me (in a good way!) and laughed with me and encouraged me and stayed up all night with me. I came home from that retreat exhausted and renewed all at the same time.

I cannot wait to see them again. Thanks, girls.