thankfulness...

...even though I am sure it is below freezing on the other side of the glass in the windows.
There are so many things...like...

Living in a warm house, and not having to worry or doubt that it will be warm in here for as long as we need it, to keep from being cold.  And just like that thermos joke, when the weather does change, we will still be comfortable, insulated and protected from the elements.
And even though it is warm in, and cold out, to look out at the world, and see the beauty of everything there.
Notice the bright morning sun streaming in the windows, slanting across the floor and up the walls, see the little birds hopping around searching for food, fluffed up to stay warm.
Peace and quiet on a Saturday morning, stillness of a neighborhood asleep, tucked away in their warm homes and beds.
An abundance to eat, enough stored in this house to be well fed for at least a month, even if we did not go to purchase more.
The financial where-with-all to go to the store, a car to drive, and money to buy what we want, desire when we get there.
Lots of clean, dry, warm clothes to put on and keep cozy during these coldest days of winter.
Faucets that deliver fresh, potable water when you turn the handle.
Georgia Power, Atmos gas supplier, city services. The resources to pay the bills when they come, to continue to receive the services we want.

In conversation with a customer on Thursday night. A man who often stops by on his way home from work, to get a couple of needed items, check out the food demo., pick up a recipe. Always friendly and pleasant. I was in the Thankfulness mode, and telling him how much I appreciate these mundane things. Making a conscious effort to be more aware of the Little Things, like fresh water, safe city streets.

He told me about experiencing life in Saudi Arabia when he went for a year as a contract worker. Seeing life from a different perspective, where even though many in that population are wealthy beyond counting, it is a country that is still developing in many aspects.  Though rich in resources that the world desires, there is a vast difference between that nation and the one he was so thankful to return to. This man said none of his fellow workers were able to last a year there, leaving their assignments, quitting their jobs and returning to the US before the contracts had been fulfilled. He believes that the discipline of growing up in a  military family provided him with the knowledge, ability and stamina to work through that period of deprivation, distance from familiar environment and family. And, he said, even though we read about the elaborate life-styles of the ruling class, exotic homes and buildings, it is in reality a Third World Country.

I love living in the US, and am thankful daily for the provisions of the Constitution. I like feeling safe, secure, knowing I don't have to hide behind drawn drapes. Especially due to the fact that we don't have any. Nothing covering the windows, so nowhere to hide any secrets, except in the closet or under the bed.