Well, it’s that time of year again. Time to pause and offer thanks. I think it’s important, from time to time, to enumerate the things for which one is thankful, especially at Thanksgiving. In the past I have suggested to my friends and readers to make a list of 25 or more. This year I have made my list several times. Each time I make a list it seems to grow.
As a speaker and writer, I see myself as a “reminder.” The Good Book says, “There is nothing new under the sun.” I have nothing new to offer, but I can remind people of things they already know.
So, here’s a list of things for which I am thankful. I hope it inspires you to make a list of your own.
I always begin my list with “Peace with God.” The old folks used to speak of “making peace.” My late mother used to say, “If, in this life, you miss that, you’ve missed it all.”
Family. I recently read a quote from Mother Teresa, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” A young Hispanic father recently said to me, “Oh, sir, family is everything!” If you are part of a loving family, be thankful.
Freedom. I once heard it said, “If you have anything of value for which you did not sacrifice, someone else did.” As citizens of the United States of America, our freedom came at a great price. Be thankful for our freedom.
Health. You’ve heard it said, “If you have your health, you have everything.” Be thankful if you enjoy good health.
Over the past few weeks, I have experienced two cataract/lens surgeries. The improvement to my eyesight has been remarkable. My late mother was legally blind for the last ten years of her life. She would often say, “Of all the things I miss, I miss my sight most. I wish I could read my Bible.” If you can see well, be thankful.
People. I usually write down the names of teachers, friends, and mentors who have impacted my life most. Imagine where you might be without their influence. Offer thanks for them.
After making a list several times, your “Top 5”, or “Top 10” will naturally fall into place. That’s when you can let your imagination “run” or “freefall.”
Here goes.
I am thankful for country living, country sausage, country ham, country roads, country music, and for growing up in the “country.”
I am thankful for church family, Sunday school classes, the Holy Bible, and the Sunday school teacher I had long ago. (Her name was Johnnie Mae Denton.)
I am thankful for running water, a climate-controlled home, a warm bed, electricity, and a good roof over my head.
I am grateful for life lessons I learned in the Brim Hollow and memories I will take with me until my time is up.
I am thankful for flannel shirts, comfortable boots, and warm coats.
I am thankful for Thanksgiving dinner along with turkey and all the trimmings.
I am thankful for Christmas music and Karen Carpenter.
I am thankful for cedar kindling, ricks of firewood, fireplaces, and smoking chimneys.
I am grateful for dependable vehicles, chainsaws with sharp blades, a good wood splitter, and a handy axe.
I am thankful for cows and calves, and enough hay for the winter.
When I was a boy, a certain preacher would visit our church at revival time. He was an old man. When called upon to pray (And I heard him pray many times.) he would always say at the ending of his prayer, “And thank you, Lord, that I woke up this morning and put my feet on the floor in a sound mind.” If you have all your marbles, be thankful.
And borrowing words from John Newton; if you have already come “through many dangers, toils, and snares,” give thanks.
May you be blessed with a grateful heart this Holiday Season.
Copyright 2023 by Jack McCall
