One of the beautiful things about November is that we tend to give a little more thought to all the things we have to be thankful for. This is a slightly updated list of five things that I put together several years ago. As I read over it, I realized that these things are still true. And I can add that as the sixth thing I am thankful for!

1. I wake up every morning and dress myself.  Oh, there may be some creaks and groans, but my general good health is not a thing that I take for granted.  Too many of my contemporaries are struggling with major health issues for me not to be grateful that my 70-something body is still in (relatively) good working order.  I’m especially thankful for good genes (all my grandparents lived until at least their mid 80’s and Gramma Wood made it to 99), and that I love almost all veggies.
2. My kids are amazing. I’m thankful daily that despite our flawed parenting, our children made it to adulthood.  And quite nicely, might I add.  They are kind and compassionate, loving to their mates and children, provide well for their families and even like each other.  Heck, they even like US! I could also say they are beautiful and brilliant, but then you might think I was just bragging. (But they are. Just sayin’. And don’t get me started on the grands!)
3. Where God has Gary and me right now. Not in the wildest stretch of my imagination could I have envisioned in my 40s where God would have us in our 70s.  Our marriage is stronger, our faith is deeper, and our vision clearer. All because we got rid of most everything that we owned, quit our jobs, moved into a 300 sq. ft. tin can with wheels, and followed HIS lead into full-time service ministry. It amazes me every day.
4. The Cabin.  There is so much gratitude wrapped up in this little cabin – from the faint echo of our children’s giggles in the loft to God’s masterful creation all around it to sweet reminders of the generations that preceded us and promises of those who will follow us. The Cabin – where my heart sings and my soul rests.
5. And overreaching it all is the giant umbrella of the God of the Universe’s love for me.  For when I could have cared less He reached down and, because of his great love for me, He rescued me.  And He continues to reach into my life each and every day, regardless of what kind of job I am doing at loving Him.  Great is Your Faithfulness, Oh God my Father.  Great is Your Faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

So much to be thankful for, today and every day. How about you?

Here’s one more thought from the great Reformation Theologian Martin Luther – Blessings at times come to us through our labors and at times without our labors, but never because of our labors, for God always gives them because of His undeserved mercy.

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