Thankful, Thanks, Thank you, благодарам: Gratitude

Fall in Skopje 

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I have been reflecting on the the many things that I have to be thankful for in my life. This concept seems so simple, yet how often do we reflect on all of life's blessings that are constantly poured out each and every day.

As a spiritual person, I try each to live each day with an attitude of gratitude. As St. Ignatius said "The deadliest sin, is ingratitude. It is the cause, beginning and origin of all evils." This comes as a great challenge.


 Having a grateful heart is so important because in our world today, it seems that the media is constantly telling use that we are never enough. We always need more "things," whether it's a new car, a new hairstyle or new wardrobe. How can one be grateful when they constantly are left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more?


Living in a completely new country, I have come to appreciate the luxuries we have as Americans. The simple things we take for granted and never think twice about, that many people across the globe live without. There are many things in Macedonia that I also have to be thankful for because I am constantly blessed here.


I am thankful for a hot shower, because it means I am not showering in a bucket and have clean water

I am thankful for the language I am learning, because it means I have the capacity to learn a new language and challenge my brain

I am thankful for the heater in my room, because it means I am warm at night

I am thankful for fresh fruits and vegetables, because it means I can sustain my vegetarian diet in a country where vegetarians barely exist

I am thankful for wifi and FaceTime, because I am able to keep in contact with friends and family despite of the many miles that separate us

I am thankful for the bed I sleep on, because it means I am not sleeping on the floor or on a wooden plank

I am thankful for the walls that surround me, because I am protected from the harsh elements

I am thankful for my legs, because I am able to run each day and release my stress

I am thankful for my glasses/contacts, because I am able to see and would struggle without them

I am thankful to be living in a country that has Christians roots, because without it would be an immense challenge

I am thankful that I came from a family that values service, because without it I wouldn't be in the Peace Corps

I am thankful for the country I come from, because it means I have religious freedom, an insane amount of food variety, job stability, and less political tension then many of the countries around me now


I am sure my list could go on and on.. I challenge you today to take a step back and reflect on the things just in this very day that you have to be thankful for.