Now, as we come to the end of the year, I want to share all the things I am grateful for this year. First, I am so grateful for the one who holds my life in His hands. He is the center of all I am and without him, I am nothing. I reflect on the year and I see God's hand in everything I have done and will do.
The biggest event in the first part of the year that I am grateful for is my trip to Ireland with my mom and two daughters. It was an experience I will never forget. Being able to share something that big with my family was such a special thing. It was my first trip to another country (Canada and Mexico not included). It was a great first of many, hopefully, trips to see more of this wonderful world we live in.
I was also blessed to be able to take a trip to see my daughter and grandkids. Sometimes you just need some grandma time and since my grandkids live far away, it means a trip to see them. Also, since my husband couldn't do any extended vacations this year due to impending retirement, we did some fun short trips together. Anytime I can get away and see new places, I am in a happy place. I was born with the travel gene and any travel, even for a weekend away, is a great time for me.
This year was a milestone year for my marriage also. 35 years together and still going strong. It may not count as a special Hallmark card year, but it still a good long number. We did our big trip to celebrate last fall but were able to get away for a few days. My husband is still my best friend and we enjoy spending time together.
The big event for our end of year is my husband's retirement. After 40+ years at his job, he is able to finally take a long and permanent vacation. We are so grateful that he had a job for all of those years, that he had a good retirement fund and we can now look at what new adventures God has for us.
Now for the small, but no less important things I am grateful for. 1) I am grateful that we had another year with my husband's mom. At age 91, she is still going strong. 2) I am grateful for the town I live in. There are so many wonderful people who live here and seeing their generosity through the 'Buy Nothing Poulsbo' Facebook page, I am amazed and impressed with how good people can be when given a chance. In a time where all the national news seems to be bad, seeing people doing good reminds me of the good things. 3) I am grateful for friends both near and far. We had a visit from two our our longtime friends this year and had a great time catching up with them. We also have enjoyed connecting, and reconnecting with friends we enjoy spending time with. We will try to do better next year with seeing them more often. 4) And finally, I am grateful for my family. I have three great kids, a wonderful son-in-law and two special grandkids. They are all unique and I love seeing how they live their lives.
The last thing I want to mention in closing out this year of gratitude is my plan to start my own Gratefulness Jar. I have read about them on many blogs and love the idea. You put little notes in the jar throughout the year and read them at Thanksgiving. What a wonderful way to start a new tradition of reminders that we all have things to be grateful for. Have a wonderful new year!
