Thankful, Installment No. 1

I just want to say this. . . today I am thankful for, well many things, but really on my mind today is our freedom.

On Sunday, in our city, one division of our Armed Services ran from buses into arms of loved ones. We rode down the street and there were flags lining the drive, banners were being waved welcoming our troops. I did not know any of the soldiers there that day, yet I welled up with emotion, how could you not?!? I felt happy for those families, I felt grateful for their services, I felt sad for those who mourn on this holiday. I thought of all the things I do in a day, taking for granted that I have the freedom to do those things. Taking for granted that my spouse is here, with me, with our children. I have no idea how they feel, those families, but I know that I am thankful for their sacrifice. They voluntarily choose to protect our, my, country--I am truly grateful.

Freedom to worship THE God of my choice. How I want, where I want, when I want. We may live in a land of different religious beliefs, but at least we get to choose.
Freedom to homeschool my children. To have as many children as I want.
Freedom to walk down the street in the clothes I choose.

That's just to name a few. How many mothers in this world wish, hope, pray for that freedom. That freedom I take for granted.

There are so many things I am thankful for, yet I take them for granted. We shouldn't just focus being thankful at Thanksgiving, but everyday we have something to be thankful for.

~~I wrote this post on Monday at really late thirty and thought I clicked on publish, but apparently I just saved it. So it's Monday's post. I'll post Thankful No. 2, later today. Probably at late dark thirty again. ~~