Yesterday was Australia Day, and it had me reflecting on all the great things about Australia.

Our beaches: It’s no wonder Australian beaches feature frequently in the “best beaches in the world” lists – because they are beautiful! There’s nothing quite like spending the afternoon by the beach including a refreshing dip in the ocean. Of course I haven’t been to all of Australia’s beaches, but some of my favourites include Double Island Point (QLD), Whitehaven Beach (QLD), Bondi Beach (NSW), Noosa Main Beach (QLD), Bokarina Beach (QLD), Cotton Tree Beach (QLD) Wineglass Bay Beach (TAS), Fitzroy Island’s beaches (QLD), and Sawtell Beach (NSW).

The animals: I love animals, and our Australian native animals are just so unique and special and absolutely worth a mention. I’ve always had a particular admiration for kookaburras and the way they gather together and just have a big ol’ laugh. They’re also so fluffy and cute! I have to give mention to bilbies, sugar gliders, koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. So many cute and cuddly animals – proof that not all animals in Australia are venomous!

Our healthcare and education: We are so blessed in Australia with the access to healthcare and education we have. And it usually takes having to venture outside of Australia to realise how good we have it. I remember in grade 10 in high school, we had to watch the Michael Moore documentary Sicko, and it broke my heart seeing how people in other countries just don’t have the same opportunities as we do when it comes to healthcare. We really can’t complain so I’m thankful for that.

The weather: to be honest, the weather is pretty amazing in Australia. Our daylight hours stay quite consistent throughout the year (well, especially here in QLD) and yes we are a country of extremes (the possibility of torrential rain or awful drought), but the sunshine we enjoy throughout the year is something to be thankful for.

Aussie sayings and our accent: It wasn’t until I married an Englishman that I fully realised how much Aussie slang I use. Words like: G’day. How ya going mate? Yeah nah. Fair dinkum. Sanger. Smoko. True blue. She’ll be right. I reckon! You little ripper! I love that moment when you’re travelling in a completely foreign country, and you hear the sweet sound of a fellow Australian greeting you with a “G’day!” That’s happened to me a few times and its an iconic moment.

Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

Love, Gracie