30 Days of Gratitude (Day 11) What I Have.

I enjoy reading lists of the best places to live and I'm always looking at homes for sale in those areas.  Money magazine publishes one of the more recognizable lists every year but others do too.  There are even lists of best places for rich singles, best places to retire and the cities with the most attractive (and unattractive ) people.  I do enjoy where I live (don't get me wrong) but I just feel that the architecture in this area overall is lacking in charm and design.  (I live in a master planned subdivision where every 4th or 5th house is the exact same floor plan as mine and the exteriors are quite plain.)  I'm drawn to homes having a lot of curb appeal with front porches, shutters and interesting details.  I'm always dreaming of having a beautiful Victorian, Cape Cod, Craftsman or Georgian home.  The cost for dreaming of other things is that you end up not being satisfied with what you have.  That's great if it compels you to improve yourself or your situation.  It may not be so great if you happen to be dreaming about material things or something you can't change.  (It could lead to frustration.) 

As I was driving home through an industrial area this evening I was privileged to see an awesome sunset slipping behind the buildings.  At that moment the thought entered my head that beauty can be found anywhere and that I was truly happy with what I had.  Something I already knew but it was nice for the reminder.

So today I'm so grateful for what I have.  It's not as much as some, but it's more than others and I'm thankful that it's mine.