Ten Things for Which to Live

In which our Heroine expressed Gratitude, and not necessarily in order.

1.       I am grateful to be alive.  We had yet another earthquake up here a few weeks ago.  I know it is ridiculous after all that I’ve been through, but a primal terror gripped me as the house shook.  It does every time.  How can I still fear death even though I’ve been so close?  I know it is not my time to die, and I know that there is an afterlife and that things will be okay.  Yet I still feel that primeval panic.  I don’t know why I still feel so frightened at a mere earthquake—these do happen all the time up here, after all.  The only thing I do understand about the whole thing is that I truly want to be alive and to do and experience more and more and more! 

2.       I am grateful to have a large base of family and friends.  I am an introvert at heart, but there is also a part of me that really likes knowing them all.  (That’s right—I mean you!) It is nice to know you.

3.        I am grateful for the sunshine. 

4.       I am grateful for my husband and my child.  They are precious to me.   

5.       I am grateful to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I know who I am and I know there is a plan for me and a purpose for everything in my life.  It gives me strength.

6.       I am grateful for a warm home on a chilly night.

7.       I am grateful for all five of my senses.  Isn’t it nice that food—something we have to eat to stay alive—tastes good?

8.       I am grateful that I can use my left arm.  I express here my fondness for its individual awesomeness. 

9.       I am grateful for good music, books, and artwork.  It makes living so zesty.

10.   I am grateful for opportunities to serve others, touch their lives, and hopefully make a difference.  I’m with Emily Dickinson:

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.