Thanks for the not so wonderful

What follows is a list.  It’s not the usual list of thankful things but I am thankful nevertheless. In my life I have been through many bad things, but through it all, I found that,

I am thankful for mistakes, because I learn from my errors.

I am thankful for sad times because as a result I can truly appreciate the happy ones.

I am thankful for the lonely times because they make times with friends and family all the more precious.

I am thankful for hunger and thirst, which help me to savor times with plenty.

I am thankful for tears, which cleanse my soul and give me peace.

I am thankful for the years, which although they may bring new aches and pains, also bring wisdom.

I am thankful for memories.  Although they sometimes bring tears, they can also bring smiles.

I am even thankful for bad days, because every day is a gift.

On Thanksgiving when we are all thankful for a lot or a little, (and there is always someone with less) let us also be thankful for the not so wonderful which elevates our joys to higher levels.  Remember without the bad times, the good times would be simply…mundane.