This last week, I’ve been hearing what people are thankful for. Most answers are the important things in life; the intangible feelings of love and acceptance found in relationships. Others are the things we need to sustain life. Few listed their material wants.
There was a time when I didn’t feel thankful for anything. I was in a very dark place surrounded by negative feelings. I found something wrong with everything, even compliments. Surely, there was an evil motive for someone to say something nice about me. I saw nothing good in myself and therefore couldn’t see it anywhere.
A healthy self-image is the beginning to a life filled with gratitude. When I learned – really learned – that God cares for me, I thought of myself differently. I’m not better than the next person; but by no means am I worse. I am who God made me to be.
When I see people who are down on themselves, my old pain returns. I long to help others see who they are through God’s eyes; loved, cherished and valuable. I am thankful that God has guided me along a path to learn this.

When you list what you are thankful for, do you include yourself?