So, it’s the time of year when we are supposed to be thankful for all of our blessings and show our gratitude by eating enough turkey to put us into a food coma until it’s time to hit the Black Friday sales, right? Well, not necessarily.

While we’re all thankful for our families, our homes, our jobs, etc., have you ever thought about all those little daily “annoyances” that are really blessings in disguise? I know I usually don’t because I’m too busy complaining about them. Lately, I’m trying to not see them as “annoyances”, but rather moments and so-called “little things” that I should be thankful for each day.

I’m thankful for my daughter’s incessant pleas for me to play school with her. I should be glad she actually likes to learn.

I’m thankful for all the dust bunnies and loads of laundry. There are so many people who don’t have a house to clean or clothes to put on their backs.

I’m thankful for cooking dinner, although I’m not the best chef. There are people who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from.

I’m thankful for my children running around the house and jumping on the furniture. There are children who are too sick and don’t have the energy to even open their eyes.

I’m thankful for the mess of toys that are constantly around my house. There are parents who can’t even afford one toy for their child, let alone several.

I’m thankful that my children call “mommy” for every little thing. There are so many women who struggle to have kids.

I’m thankful that my husband works so much. There are so many lazy husbands out there who don’t support their families.

I’m thankful for the never ending stream of questions my children bombard me with every day. There are some children who could really care less to ask just one question.

I’m thankful for my kids’ visits to my room in the middle of the night. The days are going to come when I’ll have to fight them for just one hug.

I’m thankful for all my failures and doors that have been shut in my face. They’ve only taught me to fight harder and prevail.

I could really go on and on, but I think you all get the point. These are just a few…and I mean a few, of the things I complain about pretty frequently. It’s sad to admit, but it’s the truth. These are all blessings in disguise. Things to truly be grateful for.

I’m sure if you think about it, you have a list like this too. I think we are too quick to complain and too slow to be give thanks.

What are you thankful for these days?