To Ponder~~~~~

I have a Tuesday morning Bible study that I have been attending and for our homework this week we have been asked to make a list of things we are grateful for and to ponder them.
"But, Mary treasured up all these things pondering them in her heart" Luke 2:19. This verse is referring to just after the birth of her son Jesus, when the shepherds came to see Him and then they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child.
I looked up the word ponder, it means to : consider carefully. Then I started to think of all the things I'm grateful for, I have a list that doesn't end. I also looked up the word grateful, which means : having or showing the desire or reason to thank someone.
Many of you know I work with geriatrics and specially challenged individuals who require alot of assistance. I'm especially grateful for the days when I can get a smile from someone who rarely smiles, or when we can find just the right combination of medications to control pain, or to help a Parkinson's patient move more freely.  I was thinking about a man who barely spoke two words in a year and has recently started to talk. The whole staff is baffled but that brings a smile to all of us. Yes I ponder this.
I ponder my past and the walk the Lord has led me on. All of the events in my life, some not so good, some very good, all have made me the person I am.
I'm grateful for my now adult children and the lives they lead today and the families they have. I'm especially grateful for how my second born has recently put her hand in the Lords and let Him lead her through some hard trials but still she trusts in His faithfulness. I ponder how this has taken place over the years.
I'm forever grateful for the man I'm married to today. He is kind and gentle, a man of strength but humble. He loves the Lord and life. I ponder the way we met, the trials we have been through, illness, fun times, traveling, growing together becoming closer every day. I ponder this every day.
The change in my siblings, how God has used the death of both my parents to draw each one of us closer to Him.
I ponder nature, I love the outdoors, the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, rain, thunderstorms, the sound of the birds singing, the gift of sight to see and hear these things, the ability to smell burning leaves, flowers, cinnamon rolls, so many gifts the Father gives us we take for granted everyday. I'm grateful.
I'm not good at memorizing scripture but I try to learn as much as I can because one day we may not have the Bible to read. I'm grateful for that book that God has given us to guide us in any life situation we can possibly find ourselves. I ponder that in my heart like Mary did over the birth of her Son, who is the savior of the world.
I don't consider myself a deep thinker but when I actually start to truly ponder the things in my life it causes me to marvel at how God uses the mundane, the marvelous, the simple, the people, the events and weave it all together for His glory in my life and my family. He is abounding, and overflowing in grace and mercy and He continues to touch those in my little circle of life, that is amazing to think He cares for the likes of me, a sinner saved by the blood of Jesus..
That is only a tiny tip of the things I have been pondering.
How about you have you pondered the things your grateful for?