This Thankful poem...

I Am Thankful For…

…the mess to clean after a party because it means
I have been surrounded by family and friends.

…the taxes I pay because
it means that I am employed.

…the clothes that fit a little too snug
because it means I have enough to eat.

…my shadow who watches me work
because it means I am out in the sunshine.

…the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means I am capable of walking.

…all complaining I hear about government
because it means we have freedom of speech.

…a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning
and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

…the lady behind me in church who sings off-key
because it means that I can hear.

…my huge heating bill because it means that I am warm.

....the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
because it means that I am alive.

…the piles of laundry and ironing
because it means my loved ones are nearby.

…weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
because it means I have been productive.

(Family Circle Nov. 1999)