Thankfulness

                  I am thankful for the taxes I pay 

                  because it means that I am employed.

                  I am thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug 

                  because it means I have enough to eat.

                  I am thankful for my shadow who watches me work 

                  because it means I am out in the sunshine.

                  I am thankful for a lawn that has to be mowed, 

                  windows that have to be washed and gutters that need fixing 

                  because it means I have a home.

                  I am thankful for the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot 

                  because it means I am capable of walking.

                  I am thankful for all the complaining I hear about our government 

                  because it means we have freedom of speech.

                  I am thankful for the huge piles of laundry and ironing 

                  because it means my loved ones are nearby.

                  I am thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours 

                  because it means that I’m alive.