Things I love, part 1

There are so many things I love and am grateful for from all corners of my life. I so often hear and read about the importance of acknowledging your gratitude and how it shapes your mindset. If you approach everything with a sense of gratitude, it really changes your life. I figured in the spirit of love; I will write today’s column about what I love and for which I am grateful.

I am grateful for my husband, Tim. I am so grateful for a man who loves me and our children. I am grateful for the way he makes me laugh. He has a sense of humor that is subtle and hysterical; you must really know him to experience this side of him. I am grateful for the fact that he puts us first and every decision he makes has the kids and me in his mind. I am grateful for his job at Our Lady of Fatima in Indianapolis that has provided an extended family to not only him, but also me. It has allowed him to flourish in his spirit and confidence. They see in him what I do, for which I am very grateful. I am grateful for our date nights and that he still tries as hard today as he did when we were dating to make me feel special. He gets me and I get him.

I am grateful for my children. I longed to be a mother and there is not a day that goes by, even when they’re driving me crazy, that I forget how much I prayed for what I have now. The greatest joy of my life is my children, and I am so grateful God gave them to me.

I am grateful for my mom and sister. My mom, sister and I have been through quite a bit together. We have always been close. I am grateful my children grow up seeing them with regularity and the role they play in the lives of my children. They are there for my kids and love them fiercely.

I am grateful for my friends that are extended aunts to my children. There is something about raising children alongside others in the same season of life that bonds you. We started out as co-workers and are truly best friends. We call ourselves the SMS crew and I am so grateful for each of them.

I am grateful for my job and students. I teach at Saint Matthew Catholic School in Indianapolis. I have been there for 14 years. My job came into my life at a time when I really needed a sense of belonging and that is exactly what it has always afforded me. I’ve been embraced by the community of Saint Matthew and am grateful for that. I began my job as a kid and since starting there. I met my husband, had two children, and met my best friends.

I am grateful that I work in an environment where we freely speak of Christ. Some days are easier than others, but I love my job and keep showing up because I really love the kids and feel like it’s where I belong.

The more purposeful we are with intentionally and labeling our gratitude, the more our mindset changes and our outlook shifts towards positivity. There is simply too much that I am grateful for to list in one column, so tune in next time to see what else I am thankful for. In the meantime, take a minute to reflect on what makes you grateful.

Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.