Almost every morning I when I walk into work, I have the same routine. I walk into my classroom, set my coat down, turn on my computer, check to see what I have scheduled for the lesson, and then go check my mailbox. Sometimes we will have an inspirational quote in our mailbox printed on a tiny piece of computer paper. Our principal puts them in our mailboxes about once a week. Today’s quote said “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” During this time of year, it can come easy for some of us to have a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness as we spend time with our families. For others it is much harder. I almost lost my little (not really little, he’s 26!) brother this past summer to a severe head injury. I am thankful beyond words that he is still alive and has very minimal long term effects from the accident. I can’t stop being thankful that I am gifted with more time with him on this earth. However, last year around this same time, I had just lost my cousin when he took his own life a couple months before, and couldn’t understand how God could “let that happen.” My spirit of gratitude was not as easy to come by. I had to apply this verse in my life, day by day, whether it was easy or not. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. In the end, it is our CHOICE to have a spirit of gratefulness or griping, and remember there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. Which one will you choose today, griping or gratefulness?