What are you thankful for?

It's Thanksgiving Day.  There is a lot to be thankful for.  Family and friends always top the list.  I'm also thankful for where I live.  There are many that will never experience the basics of having clean water to drink, nourishing food on the table or a roof over their head.    

I'm grateful to live in a country where I can freely explore its wide open spaces; a country that cares for its natural areas as well as its rich agricultural land. 

This Thanksgiving I am reflecting and giving thanks for what I have; family and friends, a safe environment to live in, access to education, clean water, food on the table, shelter, access to medical care, freedom, and wide open spaces to explore.  I read the newspaper everyday and come across articles that comment on the current state of the education and health care systems; at least we have them.  There are many in this world that do not.  Yes, we have crowded classrooms that are not ideal but we have access to education.  Yes, our healthcare system is not functioning as we would like but we have access to one. 

I am thankful to live in Canada where I can walk out my back door and feel safe; where I can work to keep a roof over my head and food in my refrigerator and for family to share this with.  I am grateful for having been able to simplify my life so I can take advantage of the freedom and the bountiful opportunities that I have around me.  What are you thankful for?

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson