I live my life trying at every opportunity to be grateful. I know it happens all too often people see something bad happen on the news and think, "That'll never happen to me." I realize that all odds point toward something bad happening to me at some point. A few years back I was talking with a kid from my church, and he seemed a bit forlorn. I learned his brother had cancer, and sadly, he passed away the next year. I lived from then on paying more attention to the good things in my life, realizing all of the amazing things in this world. Too recently my cousin was diagnosed with cancer. I'm not being pissy and angry because he's in pain and suffering, I'm instead looking at the bright side. His radiation is over, and things are looking better. We may even go see him soon if he's feeling up too it. Things can be taken from you as soon as their given. Things you take for granted lost in an instant. Someone I knew very well from school had their whole house burned down. So, we as a community teacher out to her family to support her in this terrible time. Admits this harsh world, there is always a silver lining. But you can only see it if you live life with an attitude of gratitude. So take this moment, and smile for all the things you have, instead of scowl for all the things you don't. Happy holidays!