I AM THANKFUL

For a wife who says it's hot dogs tonight,
because she is at home with me, not out with someone else.

For a husband with dirty hands and stained clothes,
because it means he loves working for us. 

For the teenager complaining about doing dishes,
because it means s/he's home and not out on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party,
beause it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snugly,
because it means I have enough to eat.

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

For all the complaining I hear about the government,
because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot,
because it means I am capable of walking 
and that I have been blessed with personal transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

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

For the pile of laundry and ironing,
because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,
because it means I have been capable of working hard. 

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

And finally.... 

For too much e-mail, 
because it means that I have friends who are thinking of me.