I cannot help but reflect on the benefits we have living here in Canada. It is easy to complain and focus on what we do not have and what we wish for (just ask my kids!). It is harder and takes more effort to be thankful. “Whatever you recognize, you will become thankful for and whatever you are thankful for will increase in your life”. Our family has close friends who are presently living in Africa. They have taken a year off of work in Canada and taken their 3 children to experience life in Ethiopia and Uganda. In a recent email they simply highlighted all the things they are thankful for: overall good health and safety, time as a family together, close friends back home to encourage them, being Canadian, music in their home. They are thankful that it is rainy season in Africa and that they can work the fields and cultivate new crops; they are thankful that it’s the return of avocado season! Pictured here is a photo that Val took while on an unguided safari to Murchison Falls National Park (can you imagine being that close to safari animals?). I am thankful for their reminder to simply stop and reflect and be grateful for all that we have. It has become our family objective to focus on the positive, to expect the best and to frequently reflect on all that we have that is good.