I’m grateful for teachers who carefully and lovingly mold the minds of their students, who encourage their potential…teachers who are called rather than just employed.

I’m grateful for the miracle of birth and precious newborn babies because they often help change perspectives and renew relationships.

I’m grateful for weekends, holidays and the opportunity to spend time with the ones we love the most.

I’m grateful for my husband’s instincts behind the wheel and good brakes…nothing like traveling on Interstate 95 through northern Virginia.

I’m grateful for roadside assistance. When you’re stranded on the side of the road, make that call and then breathe a sigh of relief at the sight of a tow truck, the phrase “money well spent” takes on a whole new meaning.

I am grateful for life’s delays and detours (traffic delays and detours? Still working on that one) because through them often come the greatest opportunities and the most unexpected blessings.

I’m grateful for friends who make me laugh, feel my pain, tell me the truth, challenge my thinking and love me flaws and all.

I am grateful for sleep. Nothing like the moment your head hits the pillow, eyes close and rejuvenation begins. Here’s to hoping my busy toddler let’s me get a full night of that precious rejuvenation.