Thankful Wherever You Are

There's a reason I loved being a third grade teacher... I think like a kid so I appreciate children's stories, movies and songs. One of my favorite movies is from the Veggie Tale series, Madame Blueberry. It hits you right in the gut - We're always tempted to look around and see what we don't have rather than choose to be thankful for what we do have. As a result, all the joy and sweetness of a moment can be sucked away. Madame Blueberry is reminded of this lifegiving truth by a little child who has very little materially but riches galore in character and relationships. This is the song the child sings while Madame Blueberry watches from afar.

I thank God for this day,

For the sun in the sky,

For my mom and my dad,

For my piece of apple pie!

For our home on the ground,

For His love that's all around,

That's why I say thanks every day!
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!

I'm glad for what I have,

That's an easy way to start!

For the love that He shares,

'Cause He listens to my prayers,

That's why I say thanks every day!

Thursday didn't feel like Thanksgiving since it was a regular work and school day but from the other side of the pond, we gave thanks with Dennis' American team members at our house on Friday night. It's a new thing to celebrate a holiday with people you work with but it was fun just the same.

Julieanne and one of the American boys,Brandon, had played a guitar duet while she sang at school last week (her first ever!)so we had them play for us as well. We also had Anna Catherine play a Bach piece on the cello. They were a kind and enthusiastic audience. It was a nice evening together.