There were moments growing up when groceries would be left on the porch of our childhood home. Once a lady from church passed my mother an envelope with cash. I was sponsored to attend summer camp because everyone knew (but I had no idea as a kid) we were poor. But where others saw struggle and strife, my parents raised their five kids to see opportunities and have faith in life's darkest moments.

I suppose that's why I love Thanksgiving. My family has learned to live with little, and we've learned to live with more. Our love for each other and support of our dreams makes me realize wealth has nothing to do with money. It's during this time of year when I reflect on what I'm most thankful for.

I'M THANKFUL FOR…
*A healthy family.
*A husband who refuses to see the worst in me and, instead, fills my mind with hope.
*Gluten free bread.
*The crunch of leaves.
*My laptop
*Books that allow me to escape.
*A dog who falls asleep on my neck, his soft snores reminding me of unfiltered love.
*Friends who love me in spite of my shortcomings.
*Thick socks.
*The smell of fireplaces roaring to life on my early morning walks.
*Shutting the blinds and binging on old movies.
*Leftovers.
*Grace, from friends and strangers alike.
*Never having to wake to the sound of an alarm clock.
*Simplicity.
*Complexity.
*Daring, dreaming, and failing.
*Getting up. Again.
*Old blankets that smell like childhood.
*Hugs from my mother and sound of laughter from my father.
*An unparalleled love from God, who blesses me in both the darkest and brightest moments.

Happy Thanksgiving!