And so today, I'd like to give thanks for all the gifts I've received in my life.

I give thanks for the gift of clarity---not that I've never been confused. But that I've always known what I wanted at different points in my life. I do not look back and wonder what might have been. I take stock of my mistakes and move on. I refuse to be paralyzed by the past.

I give thanks for the gift of courage---not that I've never been afraid. On the contrary, I live with many fears but I am able to move forward despite my fears because I have enough faith in my heart to tide me through the tough times on the road.

I give thanks for the gift of healing---that no matter how many times I am heartbroken or hurt, there is always the shadow of hope that heals everythings. All things come to pass. Forever does not last. And for those who can find the patience to wait, there is an exceedingly good life in the aftermath.

I give thanks for the gift of friendship---I am blessed to have true friends, some of whon I've known since kindergarten. We don't necessarily live parallel lives or vote for the same candidates. And in fact, we believe in different things. But that's the test of true friendship, I think---when you can agree to disagree and still be friends.

I give thanks for the gift of family---we are a cantankerous lot. All is not warm and cozy everyday in our lives. More often than not, we are always on some warpath. We are all blessedly obstinate and we all fight tooth and nail for what we want. But at the end of the day, we close ranks when one of us is attacked. We are family, no matter what.

I give thanks for the gift of good health---as I gobble up the sinfully delicious and fattening, I give thank for unclogged arteries and low cholesterol levels. I do what I can to stay healthy but at this stage of my life, I can only run as far as my kness will take me, the rest, I leave to my willpower and the grace of God.

I give thanks for the gift of faith---when all else fails me, I know Someone up there never will. I believe this with all my heart. And because I believe, He has never failed me. I will continue to stay steadfast and strong in the belief that He makes it all possible.

I give thanks for the gift of light---I've been told that the darkest hour is always the hour before the dawning. I have found this to be true throughout my life. It takes me a while to understand the wisdom of God's plans but I never give up trying to decipher the writing on the all. At the end of the day, God eventually gets me there---to that place of enlightenment.

Despite my heretical ways---God has deemed it fit to grant me all these gifts in my life.

If my faith is unwavering, it is because I cannot not have faith in Someone who has never given up on me, no matter what. Thank you, Lord, for always finding a place for me in your heart.

-from my fave columnist-
Ms. Melanie T. Lim