Gratefulness

Webster's Dictionary defines the word "gratefulness" as feeling or showing thanks; expressing gratitude; and affording pleasure or contentment. But I think it's far more than that. For me, gratefulness or gratitude means being content with all that I have; not wantinging something else, but wanting what I have...and appreciating how lucky I am to have it. There are so many frogs these days who are in distress; disease is rampant, polluted water is common, habitats are being destoyed at an alarming rate; extinction is becoming more the rule than the exception. Of course, there are many humans living in bad conditions, too. Fear is everwhere. Unrest is a daily fact of life. There is a shortage of nourishing food and clean water. And, it seems, children suffer the most. When I look at my life, I know exactly how lucky I am. I have plenty of food and abundant clean water. My family is loving and supportive. I have great friends who are always there for me...in good times and in bad. I am robust and strong. I am grateful for so much this Thanksgiving that my "cup runneth over." The best way to express that plethora of gratitude is to pay it forward. There are so many people...and critters...in need this time of year. I hope you will find your own special way to express your thanks this holiday and donate time and/or money to your favorite cause. A few of my favorite's are: 
http://frogsaregreen.org/
http://www.savethefrogs.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mylittlepython/ (and don't forget, if you purchase our book, "What About Snakes," available on Amazon, the profits from each sale goes to help the snakes.)
Whatever you choose to do to share your gratefulness, do it with all your heart.
Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us in the Wart family.
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