Gobbling it All Up

It's funny how we set aside just one day a year to be thankful for all we've been given. I pondered this on Thanksgiving morning as I walked to the corner to get a cup of coffee. It was cold and grey, typical C-town wintry weather. It was also kind of sleepy and peaceful. A little snow crunching under the old boots. The birds were raising a ruckus, but otherwise it was kind of quiet. Just a few cars out and about at 8 am.

I love mornings. The promise of new beginnings. I like being up early, and roaming around the house like a ghost before anyone else is up. It gives me time to get my bearings. And time to think about the things I'm grateful for.

So here they are, my thankfuls.

I'm thankful for my husband, my son, my warm home. And a job that keeps a roof above me, food within me and clothes upon me. (And a Kindle in my lap, just because.)

I'm thankful for siblings and other family and friends and coworkers and the coffee and the conversations that unite us. And for my parents and the others who have gone before, who still talk to me and urge me along the path.

I'm thankful for the earth, for its ability to keep me connected to everything. For its joys, small and large. For birds, sunshine, moon beams and flowers, grass and trees, soil and sky. (Yes, I understand the sky is not part of the earth, please don't get all technical on me.)

I'm thankful for the spirit that guides me, even though I'm not certain exactly how the whole thing works.

I'm thankful that my health is good. I still have my aches and pains, but they're manageable. I feel pretty good right now, anticipating breakfast with my kid. Eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee, lots of coffee and good times together. But I digress...

I'm thankful that I have all of my senses -- the five basics and the ones that keep me sane.

I'm thankful for books, their mysteries and their ability to transport me to places I'd never otherwise visit.

I'm thankful for all of the things I take for granted. I can't list every one here, but I wouldn't want to leave them out.

I think maybe the trick is to remember to be thankful every day for something. Just to acknowledge that, yes, things are good, right in this moment. To step back and take a breather and smile.

Gobble, gobble!