Giving thanks

Today I have been grateful for things that ground me. (And I don't mean my parents who would send me to my room for my excessive naughtiness.) A few years ago, Chris wrote a song called "Gravity" that is about me, Megan. Part of the lyrics say "Like the line that keeps the astronauts from floating out to space, like a heavy anchor wrapped around my feet, mama, you're my gravity."

I think I could take offense at being called an anchor, like I'm holding him back. But in reality gravity is a life-saving part of the physical world. I would like to list ten things that bring me gravity, ten things that ground me. I am grateful for these things because they are life-saving parts of my world.

1. Chris. Chris is my stability. He balances my emotions. He is devoted and loyal and reminds me of the things that matter most.

2. My testimony. I have been blessed to have faith. Faith is a gift from God and I am grateful for mine. My testimony keeps me from making all sorts of stupid choices. Having a perspective of eternity changes my daily outlook. I am so grateful for my testimiony and I guard it carefully and nurture it.

3. My beautiful children. I feel blessed beyond measure that I am allowed to be a mother. When I feel myself floating away emotionally, one look at a little face who needs me can bring me back to my reality.

4. God's beautiful creations. In our homeschool co-op we are learning about the planets and it is humbling. I marvel at God's vast creations. The beauty around me (and far from me) is beyond description.

5. The scriptures. I love the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I feel like I can never read the Gospel and Epistles of John enough. I feel God's love for me, and for everyone, powerfully whenever I open a book that contains His word.

6. America. Why am I so privileged to have been born in this amazing country in this amazing time? I love my freedoms. America, the idea of America as well as the reality, is truly a gift from God.

7. Technology. It sounds pretty stupid, I know. But in the last year or so since I began blogging and got a Facebook account, I have been able to renew and strengthen important friendships. In many cases, these are friends that have deeply affected me and changed my life. But I haven't seen or heard from them in many, many years. Thanks to technology we are able to stay in touch and my friends lift me when I am down.

8. Prayer. Wow. I can talk to God anytime I want. Anytime. About anything. And He answers me.

9. The Holy Ghost. Consistent, quiet promptings to help me choose what is right. Comfort when I'm sad. Guidance when I'm confused. It is stated that the Gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift God can give His children in mortality. I believe that and I experience it.

10. The Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. "He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death"  (Mosiah 16:9). Jesus Christ has provided me a way, the Way, to overcome my own sins and shortcomings. He lights the way through this life. His Atonement is a gift of safety to me. He provides my ultimate grounding to reality and to eternity.

I could go on and on. I'm so grateful. And I'm excited for the very sacred and religious Thanksgiving holiday this week. Happy Thanksgiving!