Gratitude Challenge

Last year on Social Media, there were these challenges going around, somehow or the other I was nominated for at least two similar ones. They were nice ones actually reflective, made me think about certain aspects of my life.  It came up as part of my memories on Facebook, and as I read it again, i realised how I feel pretty much the same way still or in fact even more so. I thought I would share it, here. The challenge was to come up with something everyday that I am grateful for.  These below are mine:

1. The amazing Gift that our Lord Jesus Christ bestowed on me by giving his life so that I can be saved.  What greater gift can there be, its one that I keep receiving in the holy sacrament along with  all other benefits on many occasions. 
2. My family. I am so grateful to have been born where and when I was,  yes those of you who know me, know that I often jest that I was born in the wrong place as I was supposed to be a lady that lunches, and does charitable work  and Zumba / TKD rather than going to work ha ha but I have to say I was born to the most wonderful parents,  My mum was the most beautiful woman to have graced this earth and as I always say the biggest champion of my cause. I have the best siblings in the world ( and the worst ha .. ) but the best I would stake my life for them. , my husband,  I have cousins, nieces, nephews, god children and there is more, my extended family  goes above and beyond, I am so lucky to have  parents, step parents, in laws  and to have been ‘adopted’ into each part of the resulting families.  I must not forget my friends, I have amazing friends old and new.  You  Know me,  I don’t do things by halves, I’m an  all or nothing, person so if I count you as my friend that’s it that love is there, you are now part of my family for ever so  God help you..
3. My health what can I say: Where there is health, there is wealth! I complain a lot about my weight, my big belly, my efforts to reduce both ( ha ..enough said, you can read my older  blog posts if you want to know more), but seriously am grateful that  aside from weight related creeks and aches, I am a well woman, you only have to open any news channel, read any paper, read any news site, indeed just talk to  your friends there is always someone somewhere suffering from something, some one living with one condition or the other. So I thank  God, for without Him, he alone knows!
4. OK, family related, but separate: My sister friends.  I have the best sister friends ever, yes They are the extra siblings gifted to me from God. I truly believe friendship is a gift from God, that should be nurtured and treasured always. They have been there, through thick and thin, through the lean times and the good, they have followed me wherever, they have comforted me in sad times, they have rejoiced with me in happy times.  lifted me up, corrected me when I’m wrong and sometimes been inexplicably mad with me.. ( i say that). Its a privilege to have this much love in your life and I am grateful. 
5. For a privileged life: this life afforded me a fantastic education, which really just opened my penchant for learning, for new experiences and thus to keep an open mind.  to be able to appreciate that I have more than I need, yes i’ve said it and No Im not giving away my iPad but you get my drift. I continue to feel privileged,  as I meet new people have new experiences and am able to do the things that make me happy. I could go on, but you understand me.
6. For being a people person first: for my ability to talk to anyone, anywhere. It has made for a diverse mix of friends, mates and the like! Makes many  of my days lighter, makes for wonderful times at Zumba and TKD, and not to mention the many a social gatherings. Also my ability to see the human side of most stories.
7. Social Media and gadgets: yes the big conversation helped by technology enough said.