Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Last week, I asked you what you were thankful for. Here are the responses you sent me. (And I’m thankful for you putting eyes to my writing year after year. What an honor!)
*****
The abundance that means we can eat leftovers for dinner
Fire in the fireplace on a cold evening
Christmas lights (OK, so I am rushing things a little bit, but I haven't put up the tree yet.)
A quiet night at home (after several evenings out)
Working in a walk on the rail trail between appointments on a busy day
LeAnne, northwestern Wisconsin
*****
I Give Thanks For…
Wisdom and skills of my body. Thank goodness I’m not required to consciously direct respiration nor heartbeat nor digestion nor the healing process.
Other people. Imagine waking up to discover everyone on Earth has vanished, leaving only you and your household. How long could you survive? Why would you want to?
The Slough of Despond. I would occasionally slip into this place with or without this deliciously poetic term for it, but I don’t have to. Thank you, John Bunyan and The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Our local library. Treasured and beautiful haven of quiet where I may access the thoughtwork of other minds who enrich my world through artwork, books, music, educational programs. All: free of charge.
Sara, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
*****
Once upon a time, I started a gratitude journal. With great fervor, I penciled in things for which I was grateful. I even numbered them, much like Ann Voskamp in her book One Thousand Gifts.
My entries covered several years, until my fervor wilted like an unwatered philodendron.
The gratitude journal got buried beneath a pile of other daily activities, and the little red notebook lay hidden until a few days ago, so I dusted it off and began to read some older entries of things for which I was thankful: safe driving in wet snow, a hibiscus bloom, lost keys found, furnace checked out okay, answered prayer, the smell of damp earth, bird songs, prayer requests from grandchildren, safe arrival of a great-grandchild, amazing discoveries in Scripture (even in the genealogies in Genesis)! Reading these entries renewed my motivation to return to a more diligent recording of my reasons to be thankful.
Then a few days later, I read Tamara’s blog entry and knew the coincidence of rediscovery for both of us was not a coincidence at all. I am so thankful!
Avis, Newfolden, Minnesota
*****
What I’m thankful for... My Tuesday morning Bible Study. Every Tuesday up to 26 women come together to study God’s Word. It is such a blessing to all of us. We have a great leader. Her name is Avis!
Sonia, Thief River Falls, Minnesota
*****
This year there is much to be thankful for in my life even amidst the challenges of life. But one thing that sticks out above the rest has been watching our son, now 30, navigate his own challenges and hear him say in each, “Mom, I want to do right by God.”
Betsy, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
*Has My Blonde Life inspired or entertained you? If you wish to toss a tip into my writerly coffers, here's how you can do it: @Tamara-Schierkolk (Venmo) or $TamaraSchierkolk (Cash App)
*Names in this blog have been changed to protect my family, neighbors, and friends in the neighborhood, and in a nod of appreciation to the beloved Swedish author Maj Lindman, I’ve renamed my three blondies Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka.