thankful

I am trying to be thankful for all that God allows to come into my life.

Family.
Christian friends.
Friends who aren't Christians yet :)
A safe and comfortable home.
Clean water.
Reliable utilities.
Appliances.
Running vehicles.
Opportunities for my children to get a college education if they want one.
Bill's job that provides cash to pay for what we need and most of what we want.
These things I don't have much problem being thankful for.

It is the list that follows that challenges me:
Disease.
Disaster.
Disappointment.
Discouragement.
Prejudice.
Pride.
Problems.
Heartache.
Hate.
Hard hearts.
Hard heads.
People who are responsible for any of these things.

I am reminded of a quote I heard recently
"Everyone is good for something, even if it's just a bad example."

"Lord, am I responsible for anything in the second group?
Please search me, know me and cleanse me.
Please work in me so that I am an accurate reflection of You.
Thank you for loving me too much to leave me to myself.
Thank you for challenging me to grow in You.
Thank you that I don't have to do this on my own.
I love You."