My "Top 8" List (the positive one)

I can't stand being around negative people. They get me discouraged, bring morale down and they have a hard time seeing the positive things in life, even when God is working and life is full of blessings. Sometimes I find myself being negative. I'm quick to give a remark or comment without really thinking, or I'll make a comment about a situation or individual when I'm not really informed about what is going on. Negative people are draining. When I get around a negative person, I become tired. Literally, they drain me of energy and my ability to dream and ultimately be productive. The more I think about negative people, the more I realize how I don't want to be negative. I really don't want to be a negative person. So, I thought I'd write about things that I'm thankful for...the positive things in my life that come straight from the hand of God. Here's my "TOP 8" List (not necessarily in order of importance):
8.) I'm thankful for my home...plenty of space, big backyard, and 2 fireplaces (one of which I never use).
7.) I'm thankful for my church...a church that loves Jesus, worships with honesty, concerned about the world and the people really love each other.
6.) I'm thankful for the country of Ethiopia...where our new son will be adopted from in the next four months (fingers crossed)...a country also rich in heritage and in desperate need of attention and care from Jesus-followers.
5.) I'm thankful for my grill...it's been so good to me over the years.
4.) I'm thankful for Mandy, Logan and Landon...the 3 most important and beautiful people in my life...my life is rich because of them.
3.) I'm thankful for my small group...other couples that gather with me and Mandy for prayer, reflection, bible study and laughter, and incredible deviled eggs.
2.) My youth group...I love the high school students at our church. I love to see them become radical and passionate in expressing their faith. They are so awesome!!!
1.) My roast beef dinner I had tonight. It sounds minuscule, but I'm really thankful for it. Considering that over 1 billion people live on less than $1 a day (and thousands of children in our world died today due to hunger and malnutrition), I ate like a king tonight, and for this I'm truly grateful.
So, there's my "Top 8" List of Positive things in my life.
What about you? Go make a "Top 8" List...what would it say?

Grateful,

Paul