Je suis reconnaissant pour ...

I was looking through an old scrapbook today and came across a gratitude list I made on Thanksgiving in 2006 while working as an intern in Geneva, Switzerland.  Since I was living in Geneva, I celebrated Thanksgiving somewhat privately that year and sent a list of things for which I was grateful to my parents.  I started the list "Je suis reconnaissant pour ..." (I am grateful for ...) and then listed the 10 top things I felt most grateful for at that time.  It was fun to read.  Many of the things I listed in 2006 would still be on my list today, but others have changed.  Since I am celebrating Thanksgiving in a similar style today (away from family while Darren is working), I thought that I would recreate a 2013 version of my list:

1.  I am grateful for the Gospel in my life.  When life throws us curveballs, the straightness of the way provided by the Gospel gives me an improved perspective, guidance, and hope.  I feel truly grateful for the experiences I have had that have made my testimony what it is today.

2.  I am grateful for my immediate family: Darren, Mom, Dad, and Chris.  Darren and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary yesterday, and I could not be more grateful for these past three years.  I have learned so much about what true love means by being married to him.  My parents and brother each, in their own way, bring such blessings and joy in my life.

3.  I am grateful for my extended Sonne, Hubbard, and Myler families.  I was fortunate enough to grow up with extended family nearby, yearly family reunions, and cousins who felt more like siblings.  Through some limited family history work, I have become more grateful for my ancestors who lived their lives in such a way that have brought blessings to mine.  I am grateful for their sacrifices and legacies.  I am grateful to now be a part of the Myler family and for the love and generosity I have felt from them.

4.  I am grateful for friendship.  I have been blessed with the friendship of some true kindred spirits (you know who you are!) who have brought such richness, joy, comfort, and laughter to my life.

5.  I am grateful to be an American.  I am proud of the principles on which this country was founded.  I am grateful for all those who have fought and do fight for freedom and America.

6.  I am grateful for travel.  While I am proud to be an American, I am so grateful for opportunities I've had to see more of the world.  My bucket list of places to see is long, and it keeps growing!

7.  I am grateful for beauty in all of its varieties: in words, nature, unexpected opportunities, art, music, people of all ages, a smile, a selfless act.

8.  I am grateful for history and for the lessons it has to teach us.

9.  I am grateful for my education--all that is has taught me, inspired me to feel, and allowed me to do.

10.  I am grateful for crisp autumn days and the warmth of a blanket and the smell of hot chocolate.  I am grateful for the festive winter season, the beauty of spring, and the warmth of summer.

...et beaucoup plus!

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