There's a whole lot of faceless people and far-flung materials supporting my lifestyle. There's no such thing as a self-made man.
And so it is that I come to you in this week which contains the day on which we are all supposed to stop, take stock and give thanks. I've decided to do so all this week, in hopes that, after seven straight days of extending the proper attitude of gratitude, perhaps it will become a daily habit I can carry throughout the coming year.
I have much to be grateful for:
- God - slippery, elusive, wonderous mysterious joy that She is.
- wife and kids - I am stunned at how much I haven't screwed them up. They're the best part of my really wonderful life.
- family/friends/faith community - I am surrounded by an eclectic mix of characters who routinely amaze me with their grace, imagination and love.
- freedom - I'm fortunate to live in a society of laws and latitude. I've grown up safe, been HANDED a great education, have found encouragement to speak up at almost every turn, and get to routinely stir the pot.
- music - Oh, sweet nectar for the ears. And to not only have the privilege of listening, but to also be able to CREATE music of my own, by myself or with talented friends and family.
- food - I really enjoy it.
- green grass, blue sky, yellow sun - Seriously, what a breath-taking combination.
- puppy jumps and arching-cat-shin-rubs - I'm usually the first human to come home in the evening, and I'm always greeted with love and enthusiasm.
- a really great fort - Sure, I never had to hold a mortgage on the ones I built 40 years ago out of couch cushions, but the house Teresa and I have built feels every bit as cool.
- my body - It is beginning to creak, bald and settle, but I can still do most of what I was doing 20 years ago.
- my mind - Good things come in small packages, I guess.
- good books - I just finished Steinbeck's "The Winter of Our Discontent." How cool is it that we can turn words into worlds?
