Things I am Thankful For

After a weekend spent with family and a lot of food, I have many things to be thankful for.

I am glad to have a blog where I can post stuff and people will read it. I just had a friend e-mail the other day to say she enjoys what I write, and it reminded me that there are people reading without necessarily commenting. I am grateful for you folks, and honored that you take the time to listen to what I have to say. Thank you.

I am grateful that I live in the United States. We may have a variety of unresolved justice issues, but we have a considerable amount of freedom, careful protection of our rights, and substantial economic prosperity. Which allows me to have a job and not go hungry. Which I am grateful for.

I am grateful for people who demonstrate virtue, thoughtfulness, kindness, compassion, joy, faithfulness, hope, laughter, and love. God's kingdom comes closer to us through them.

I am glad to be healthy.

I'm thankful for the hand lotion my sister gave me. I use it at work and it smells very nice.

I'm looking forward to the turkey sandwich I'll be having for lunch. I am thankful in advance for that.

I am thankful for my loving wife Heather, who is sweet and funny and romantic, and wouldn't be offended if I made pretend vomiting noises after saying that sentence.

I have been enjoying vicariously through Heather a good football season for the Cincinnati Bengals.

I am grateful for many gifts from my mom--16 years of piano lessons have given me a good ear for music--the skill to crochet, the traditions of the season. Even though she's not alive anymore, she still has gifts to give, and I am grateful for that.

I'm grateful for family and friends and the joy and fun of spending time together.

I'm glad to be a person of faith, and to live in a world that draws meaning from its connection to God. I try to be grateful for everything God has given me, but there are too many things--it's not possible to remember them all.

I hope that you will find your own things to be grateful for in this holiday season, since it is intended to celebrate what we've already been given as well as what we are expecting, wishing, and hoping for.

Blessings,

Amy