Thanksgiving is tomorrow and each year there is a plethora of “I’m thankful for…” posts and columns. Being thankful is a good thing, of course. Times are tough and sometimes being grateful is hard to do.
I saw a post on Facebook by fellow Clash writer, Mike Adams. Earlier this week he posted this:
So you cannot sleep at night because you are worried about the future? Try this … Think of some blessing in your life that begins with letter “A”. For example Adams … As in, I really love that Adams guy’s status updates. Try to get serious by the time you hit “B” … Maybe you have a brother you love or a beach you live near or a BS degree you’re proud you earned. Keep going until you exhaust the alphabet … Even if it means admitting you love ZZ Top. When you are done, ask yourself this question: given all the blessings I’ve received to date, is it really likely that the future doesn’t have more of the same in store for me? You have to focus your attention on something. So if ingratitude is a sin then what does the Enemy want your focus to be?
So I’ve decided to see if I could do just what he suggests and find a blessing for each letter. What better time to do it than Thanksgiving?
A: America. Warts and all, America is still the best place to live. If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t fight so hard for it.
B: Ballet. My daughter took ballet for 12 of her 15 years, and I am blessed to have watched her grow as a dancer in grace and beauty.
C: Clashdaily.com. Clashdaily.com gives me a platform to educate and share ideals. Clash’s founder, Doug Giles, included three of my articles in his book Sandy Hook Massacre: When Seconds Count, The Police Are Minutes Away and made me a published author. It’s an incredible honor to write for Clash.
D: Dog. I love my dog, Lizzy. She’s a sweet, beautiful English Setter. Yes, she’s “needy” but who doesn’t want something that needs them and loves unconditionally in return?
E: Eric, my son. I love him more than life itself and I am very proud of the man he has become. He is intelligent, loving, thoughtful, faithful and loyal. He’s a good kid.
F: Friends. Over the last two years friends have come and gone, and I am truly grateful for the ones who stayed, and thank God for them each day.
G: God. God is the reason I exist. He loves me no matter what, and proved it by sending His Son. He always forgives.
H: Home. I own my home and that is a blessing. It’s not the biggest, but it’s just right for my family.
I: Intelligence. God gave me a keen intellect. Not using it is never an option.
J: Job. I have a job I love and challenges me each day. It’s never dull, and I feel appreciated by those who employ me and work with me.
K: Kitties. I have two cats. Two more animals that love unconditionally.
L: Love. Love of family and friends keeps me going and present.
M: Meghan, my daughter. She is a beautiful girl with a good heart. She makes me proud of her, too, her talents, her sense of humor, her intellect and her sweet smile.
N: Nieces and Nephews. I have many of each and they are all remarkable people. It’s fun to watch them grow and become the people they are.
O: Opinion. Having different opinions is a blessing. Uniformity would be boring. Civil discourse isn’t.
P: Patrick, my husband. We have been married for 21 years. Lots of ups and downs (what marriage doesn’t?), but he has a sense of humor and is always there when I need him.
Q: Quill. Writing goes way back to the quill and inkpot. Following those footsteps is, at times, intimidating, but I am blessed to have the opportunity.
R: Roses. Roses are my favorite flower. They are a perfect gift from God, beautiful, aromatic and colorful.
S: Siblings. I have a sister and two brothers. We fought with each other, fought for each other and love each other. Love you Jen, Herb and Bob!
T: Tears For Fears. I am a huge Tears For Fears fan. Have been since I was a teen. I’ve been blessed to have met them several times. One member was the impetus for my writing, as he encouraged me to voice my political opinions (even though they were very opposite his). Thanks Curt!
U: USBands. This is a new one for me. USBands is the circuit in which my daughter’s marching band competes. They promote music education and encourage kids to excellence. I was honored to volunteer with them this season!
V: Volunteering. As Christians we are required to give of our time, talent and treasure. Volunteering gives me the chance to give my time and talents. I’ve met some amazing people while doing it …such a blessing.
W: Wood burning stove. Each year our stove helps heat our home and keeps it toasty warm in cold weather. Saves us money too!
X: X Chromosome. Yes, I’ll say it, I’m glad I’m a girl.
Y: Yard. I’m grateful for the yard I have around my house. It gave my kids a place to play and it is pretty to look at throughout the seasons.
Z: Zinc. Every time I have a cold.
It’s harder than it looks! Ok, your turn.
Image: Courtesy of: http://gthsart.wikispaces.com/Brandon+P+Gr+Dsn
