I had hoped to keep up my list of Thanksgiving throughout November, but as it often does, life got in the way. Between trips home, choir programs, and finals, I just wasn't able to keep up. I fully intend to keep my word though, and still plan on doing all 30 posts of what I am thankful for.
Today, it is particularly easy to count my blessings and think about the things that I am thankful for. In the wake of a tragedy, such as today's elementary school shooting in Connecticut, it is easy for me to praise God for keeping my family, friends and community safe. However, my heart cries for the families that are suffering tonight, and it is hard for me to even find the words to write this. Today's events cause me to be so confused, and I can't even imagine how it could happen...
For about a year and four months now, I have been working at a daycare near my home. I had planned on writing a post about how thankful I am for this job, but now it takes on completely new meaning for me. I am grateful that I even have a job and that I enjoy what I do very much. Every single day when I go to work I am excited to be there, and I enjoy nearly every second spent at the daycare. I have literally fallen in love with "my" kids, the parents, and my coworkers. I am so thankful for them. Today especially, however, I am thankful for every single one of my kids' lives, and how precious and sweet they are. I have learned something from each and every one of them, and would be heartbroken if something happened to ANY of them, not to mention to all of them. I would literally give my own life for these kids if it came down to it, and I'm thankful that it hasn't. Reading about this tragedy in the news makes me want to go hold my babies at work so tightly, and praise God for their lives. I am SO grateful that I have been able to get to know each of these kids, and I am so grateful that I have more days to come with them, unlike the families and teachers and students in Connecticut affected by this. I never want to take another day at work for granted, and I pray for the safety of my own kids tonight, as well as healing for the community of Newtown, CT. My heart aches.
