I am grateful.

I've felt a bit contrary the last few days and I wanted to remedy it with a dose of gratitude.

Family- I've always lived close to my family. Over the last few years I've seen someone from my family at least once a month. I think I took it for granted and at times even complained about the inconvenience. I'm not complaining anymore. I miss them and it strengthens my gratitude for the temple and that we are eternally bonded.

Extras- We've been living on a budget and it's really made me appreciate treats- food, books, clothes, presents. Having to weigh choices so that everything fits into our budget makes the extras all the more special. It's true that you value the things you sacrifice for.

Weather- After living in frozen hell for the last 6 years I am so grateful for 73 degrees in mid-Novemeber.

Time- For as long as I can remember I've been really busy. I am the type that will go, go, go until I drop, literally. I get so focused that I will by pass meals, forget time and run my body on mere mental strength. After a decade of this, circumstance and health have forced me to slow down, take a break and breath. As I've let my need for constant activity/work subside I've found pleasure in a slower pace of life. I enjoy the freedom and quiet and I count it a blessing to be given the time to become grounded.

 My husband- I really like him. I am so grateful for his friendship, his love, his patience, his hard work, his humor, his teasing, his intellect, his insights. He's a good guy.

Sundays- Besides having church, callings and visiting/family home teaching it's the only day law school, homework and studying are banned. It's the only day of the week that I get to see David not exhausted. I've come to look forward to Sunday and am grateful to have David to myself without the influence of school.

The Book of Mormon- The last while I've been trying to read through the New Testament in it's entirety. I always get stuck in Acts and quit. As I've been reading it really hit me how different the Book of Mormon is from the Bible. Growing up in the LDS church with the BOM as the center of most of my study I never knew how extraordinary it was. Compared to the Bible it is so much more simple, clear and concise. I was rocked by this realization and I feel so thankful for it's influence and guidance in my life.