1. My family. I haven’t said much about them on this blog, and will continue not to say much about them here, but I’m certainly thankful for them.
2. Social networks. And I mean this on all sorts of levels. Facebook has brought me back in touch with friends from high school with whom I otherwise wouldn’t have any contact. But I’m also thankful for IRL social networks: my colleagues, my neighbors, members of my ward, my kids’ friends’ parents. I’m thankful for the community that can happen when the guy comes out to repair your internet, and it turns out he has a kid the same age as your kid.
3. The eternal potential of (1) and (2). It adds that much more to these relationships to know that they can continue.
4. North Face. For this Southern Californian, it’s nice to know I’ll be able to survive another Chicago winter.[fn1]
5. Jim Henson. I remember watching the Muppet Show with my family when I was a little kid, every week. Today, I have Seasons 1-3 of the Muppet Show on DVD, a handful of Muppet movies, a couple episodes of Fraggle Rock, and tickets to the new movie.
6. My job. These days, having a job is a blessing; I’m lucky enough to have one I love.
7. A God who allows me to have all of these things.[fn2]
How about you?
—
[fn1] Totally random story: when I left for BYU, the warmest clothes I had were my flannel shirt and jeans. Which would have been plenty warm in San Diego, but turned out not to be quite so helpful in Utah (and would be a death sentence here). Of course, as a cheap freshman, I waited until I went home for Thanksgiving to have my parents buy me a coat. So thanks for that, Mom and Dad!
[fn2] Note that this list is far from exhaustive; rather, it’s the first seven things that leapt to mind. Also note that, other than (3) and maybe (7) (but probably not), it’s not particularly Mormon, except that I am Mormon and these are things for which I’m thankful.
Honestly, quite grateful you joined us at Times & Seasons!
I didn’t realize you were in Chicago. We’ll have to get together for lunch sometime.
11.5. I’m guessing Robert Lowth is someone else you’re thankful for. He was the guy who declared that there was to be no propositions at the end of sentences, ever, ever, ever.
Aww, thanks, James! And Kevin, that sounds great. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
(And small star, one of my favorite apocryphal stories is the one that ends with Churchill saying, “This is the kind of tedious nonsense up with which I shall not put.”)
The new muppets movie is awesome. Two sock hands up!
I am thankful for you and the other thoughtful saints who are willing to share their insights into living the gospel.
Thanks, RTS. I’m thankful for them (and you) too; I really am thankful for people who think differently than me, but who are willing to discuss those differences in a friendly and productive way!