I’m Thankful For…
I’m Thankful, But…
Gotta tell ya, life’s really been in the dumper for me this year.
Nearly all year, I’ve simultaneously been moving through more than three life-altering, max-capacity difficulties. And most of it’s been out of my hands.
It’s felt unyielding— with mostly dark, dead ends, a stripping away, and honestly, just a lot of pain. All the pains! Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual…am I missing any other “als?”
Every single day (over 300 days in a row) has been exceptionally H-A-R-D.
Without much encouragement, with very little relief, and with so much pressure I’ve wondered if there’s any of me left crushed beneath it all.
And it ain’t over! I’ve gotten a little insight from the Lord, that things are still “in process.” Plus, it’s plain to see.
So, the hurt, the uncertainty, and the burdens will go on.
Shite circumstances can make it hard to feel grateful.
The biggest focus in your life takes up most of the space.
So, when survival or “making it” is front and center, joy and thanksgiving can be pushed out.
Should You Skip Thanksgiving When Life Is Crappy?
Because of the poopy caca, I was tempted to skip a Thanksgiving tradition my dad started 30-plus years ago.
For years, he wrote a humorous slice-of-life article in our local paper.
And one of the highlights was his annual “I’m Thankful For…” column.
My two siblings and I always eagerly anticipated its arrival. Partly, to learn more about Dad— Who is he? What does he appreciate? What moves him? It was a chance to see the poetic soul in our very silly, sarcastic father.
But mostly, we just wanted to read what he said about us.
How would we be immortalized in this year’s Thanksgiving article?
Thanks to the year’s Crappiness Maximus Gargantua, it crossed my mind to skip out and not write my thankful list. But I’ve decided to push through.
I want the traditional column to keep going.
And, when life is bleak, that’s perhaps the best time of all to look for signs of God.
While I don’t see much use in painting positivity over painful circumstances, I still want to be someone who looks for the light.
I want to recognize God’s signs that He’s still there, He’s with me, and He gives a rip.
Even when life is dark, God is still with us, carrying the light.
He is still walking beside you, holding you.
Agreed, probably not how we’d prefer Him to, but still…He’s there.
And we can see pieces of Him, His love, and His nature in the goodness we find in others, simple pleasures, moments of laughter and surprise, beloved traditions, and relief.
So Dad, God, and those of you who are also doin’ life in the dumper, this one’s for you…
I’m Thankful For…
My two precious babies and their all-consuming laughter.
A pepperoni pizza with extra cheese.
“I can do the kids tonight. You rest.” From Matty.
Indy, especially when his claws are freshly clipped. He’s the prototypical, mercurial feline— and the ultimate snuggler.
“Hold you!” from Beckett. His cue for me to pick him up in my arms.
Epsom Salt in a hot bath.
Mada and her prolific drawings– She’s got endless creativity and joie de vivre
Mom, the best maker of beds. The sheets always feel best when I’m home.
The milk frother. A highlight of my day. (Get one. They’re like 30 bucks).
Dad and our “cigar walks”- filled with treehouse secrets, schemes, and games.
Unc Man, an unexpected close pal and source of support.
The clockwork check-ins and general sense of care and thoughtfulness from my wonderful sister, Tiss. You da best, you pest.
A backyard full of fireflies.
My morning routine with Bootsie Bear as he snuggles up in my lap and we say hello to the cars that pass by the house.
Brave college freshmen, one in particular. Stepping out into the world on your own is a huge deal. Stay true to who you are and how you’re made.
Cousin playdates.
The velvet dark sky in December– the quietest, most spiritual time of year. God hovers.
Mom and Dad- the endless support, love, encouragement, and faith. You always look for the best in me.
Mada and The Bear’s evening routine of loud, “super fast” runs around the house— including the wild imagination and uninhibited antics. It’s ultimate cuteness and joy.
Clean laundry that just magically shows up, sorted
Sitting outside with no agenda
Tuxy— You may keep me up hours every night with your incessant barking, but you’re a good, good boy. And the best legs-up-back-roller I’ve ever seen. You’re great at being a dog.
Our beloved, can’t sleep without ‘em friends: Baby Toolsie, Richard Parker, and Cheetah
Dreams of a family vacation with the OGs. Mom, Dad, Tiss, Unc Man…shall we Griswold our way across the country?
The yard— the potential I see, the Pinterest boards that will get me there, and the intimidating employees at my nursery who’ll talk me through it.
A crackling fire on a cold winter night.
Swank bamboo sheets and pillowcases. Worth the investment (Thank you, Santa)!
Friends who bring you food so you don’t have to think about supper.
The opportunity to teach pilates as much or as little as I want, whenever I want, to enjoyable people, and a kind-hearted boss.
Fall foliage.
Good humor and a hearty laugh—jokes that make you laugh so hard you cry (or wet your pants if you’ve had kids).
Good friends who are good people.
The sweet presence of the Lord.
The Graham Norton Show. And Ian McKellen on the Graham Norton Show.
Misty and Sarah— always ready to pray…then crack jokes and eat cheese.
My wonderful family- including aunts, uncles, cousins, and the lot. I wish I saw y’all much more, but just knowing you’re all out there in the world, makes it a lighter, better place.
Going to the movies with popcorn, a Coke, recliner seats, and a cozy blanket brought from home.
Emma, our rockstar babysitter we rarely see.
Writing and feeling in touch with my creativity.
The Cat Mobile– I’m so thankful for a safe car with air conditioning.
Sausage balls.
The inexhaustible access to learn anything and develop any skill we’re interested in— the history of the world, philosophy, courses on plant propagation, how to make homemade hot chocolate…pick what you want to know and go forth.
A cup of tea on the couch after the babes have fallen “night-night.”
Really good actors that make me say, “Dang, that’s good acting.” You know who you are, Cillian Murphy.
Shakespeare, art museums, jazz, the cello, Spanish guitar– culture-y stuff
Being able to connect with the Lord, hear from Him, and feel His presence. I know it’s unique and I don’t take it for granted. I’m thankful from my bones that I can experience Him in such a close, connected way…even when I’ve been a jerk.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He shine His face and goodness upon you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bring This To Life In You
The Takeaway:
We can see the Lord in the goodness in our lives.
Scripture:
1 Chronicles 16:34 “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Prayer:
“God, thank you for the good. Thank you for the evidence I see of You because of the good. Show me how to look for Your light. Amen”
Action step:
Take a moment to think of what you’re thankful for. Then consider how God is showing up for you through those things.