Looking Thankful

This last month has seen a rash of Facebook posts on a “7 days of Thanksgiving/Being Grateful” theme. They were interspersed with the “7 Days of Black & White Photographs”. And a few enterprising individuals combined them for a unique look into their lives. I am not a photographer. Sure I can snap a photo with my cell phone but I lack a vision and that “eye” that separates the casual shutterbug from the serious photographer/ photographic artist. That said I will post a couple photos here that I think are interesting. I’m also going to let you in on a few things I’m extremely thankful for.

1. I am thankful for my husband. He is steadfast. He demonstrates those qualities that define true love: he is patient, kind, forgiving, and generous. He isn’t boastful or arrogant, he isn’t resentful or irritable. He is never rude. He is honest. (I think I got very lucky in love – might explain my inability to win at Euchre)

2. I am thankful for my children. I have 2 sons. Both are intelligent and talented. They have never been in trouble with the law. They are both employed. They are independent and making their way in life. They have made me proud (and neither has shown a lapse in judgement and gotten a tattoo or piercings).

3. I am thankful for full-time employment at a good wage with a pension and good health insurance. For all the stresses that my job deposits in my lap, I’m still enjoying the challenges and experiences that each day brings.

4. I’m thankful for family. This includes my mother and sisters, the in laws and outlaws, nieces and nephews, and the assortment of great nieces and great nephews. Family should not be disregarded. They are integral to who you are and where you fit into the world. I am fortunate to have married into a wonderful family – warm and accepting, and fun to be around. We gather every Sunday evening to visit, eat ice cream, and put together jigsaw puzzles. It isn’t about the ice cream or the puzzles – it is about connecting with each other and showing them we care about what is happening in their lives.

5. I’m thankful for my close friends – both of them. They are the people who remind me when I’m having a bad day that there are things to laugh about. They are my co-conspirators and confidants. I can count on them and they can count on me – it is a wonderful thing to have that kind of connection. They are the sisters I chose for myself!

6. I’m thankful for my faith. It has been a foundation in my life ensuring that no matter the troubles, I am beloved of God. There are many who do not have the sense of a spiritual safety net. They do not have hope or expectation of reward for living up to a moral code. I am not going to lie and say I’ve never questioned or doubted. I will say that even in moments of disbelief, I was still open to the possibility. That small still voice penetrated the fog and guided me to safety.

7. I am thankful for my talents. I can do marvelous things in the context of my job. I assist research and teach the next generation of investigators to work with compassion, care and expertise. My mother thinks I am a brilliant writer and poet. She is usually right about things so I’m going to accept her judgement on that score. I dabble in ceramic sculpture and seem to be fairly good at it having sold several pieces and won a few awards. It is true that talent is only realized if used. I’m trying my best to use them.