I'm So Grateful

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and everyone is putting out their "things I am thankful for" lists. So I thought I would offer mine. ... (And rest assured this is no complete or exhaustive list.)

I am thankful for:

Life ... It's a dance -- and I am still learning as I go.

Family ... Those wonderful folks who know me best and still love me most. I'd be lost without them.

Love ... The gift from heaven - it makes the world go around.

My Christian family ... all around the world and right in my own back yard (well ... more like my own SIDE yard).

Words ... Words are my life. I'm not sure what or who I would be without them

Choices ... I can choose to be happy or sad or loving or angry. And I can choose how I want to live every day of my existence -- and hourly if I so choose.

Music ... Part of who I am and who I have been for most of my life. I don't think I could live without it.

Health ... Even with all the problems I face in my daily wellness, I'm a lot better off than many people I know -- and most people in the world.

The seasons ... Winter, spring, summer, and fall -- especially fall.

Stars ... They remind me of our wonderful Creator -- the one who kindled the stars and hung them in place.

Acceptance ... I'm glad when someone accepts me for who I am, and sad for those who don't. They'll never know the real me.

Laughter ... It does a body good -- like a real good medicine.

Books ... They take me to places I've never been, introduce me to people I've never met, and offer me quiet little mini-vacations - away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Smiles .... Akin to number 11 ... I love to see someone smiling from their soul and from their heart. Not one of those fake smiles -- but the one that radiates warmth to your very being.

Comfort ... This includes a place to stay warm and dry -- out of the elements; good food; and well-worn blue jeans, sweat shirts and "finally" broken-in shoes.

Hope ... One of the Big Three (faith, hope and love). Always there, waiting to lift us up.

Handwriting ... I'd rather read someone's handwriting than get a type-written letter, or an email, or some other sort of electronic message.

Photographs ... Just like handwriting: I'd rather hold a photo in my hand than to look at it online and then wonder a few days later where it went.

Honesty ... It speaks for itself.

October ... Best month ever, hands down.

Passion ... It does my heart good to see someone who is passionate about what they do, what they believe, or who they love.

Kindness ... The easiest way to change someone's life TODAY -- right now.

Compliments ... Good to get an "atta-boy" from time to time.

Freedom ... Something I think most of us take for granted and are so blessed to have.

Driving .... The car or motorcycle, the broken white line, the music ... Where do you want to go?

Inspiration ... The fuel that runs my creativity.

Good News ... The "goodest" news of all? .... Jesus loves me.

Forgiveness ... Part of the Good News. I hope it never runs out -- because I seem to need it a lot.

Respect ... For others as well as myself.

Joy ... I got this -- and it's "down in my heart" to stay.

New Places ... Bring 'em on!

Memories ... Sometimes they help shape the future.

Opinions ... Everyone has them. And for better or worse, we all have the right to share them.

Questions ... The best way to learn - and to teach.

Hugs ... Yep -- I'm just a touchy-feely big ol' teddy bear kind of guy. That's just me.

You ... Those who take the time to read these writings on a regular basis. I'm grateful for each one of you.

Gratitude ... Contrary to all those Black Friday sales out there -- gratitude is what Thanksgiving is all about.

And finally ... I'm thankful for Thanksgiving -- my favorite holiday of all.

Have a great Thanksgiving everybody.