thanksgiving |ˌθa ng ksˈgivi ng |
noun
1. the expression of gratitude, esp. to God
2 (Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day) (in North America) an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal including turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, and is held in the U.S. on the fourth Thursday in November.
This morning I decided to make a short list of some of the things I am thankful for. It is not exhaustive but a mere sampling of the things I am thankful for this morning. Oh to continually live in a state of thanksgiving!
I am thankful for …
Jesus, fountains, coolness in the summer, the Gospel, smells, fire, books, best parents in the world, great friends, men who press me into Godly masculinity, literacy, pumpkin bread, the Bible, crispness of Fall, elephants, Jesus, sounds of water (ocean waves, fountains, waterfalls, rain), Stephen Manley, water bottles, color, peanut butter, one stellar brother, candles, Jesus, plants, rest, laughter, infilling of the Holy Spirit, times of difficulty and hardship which produces tensile strength in my life, exhorting conversations, Eric Ludy, hugs, rain, heroes of yesteryear (Chambers, Tozer, Elliot, Spurgeon, Brengle, Wesley, Whitefield, Studd, Howells, Carmichael, and the like), forgiveness, sharks, ability to think, write, and talk, hot showers, lakes, family, warmth in the winter, Mac computers, the “endless frontier,” radio theatre, junior mints, music, Jesus, my mom’s cooking, standing back and looking at finished projects, things that make me think, the Victorious (Deeper) Christian Life, sunshine, fun, soft feel-good shirts, lions, words, Lipton diet green tea with citrus, sanitation workers, digital cameras, the stars, memories, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (all of which are a byproduct of Jesus), the young men who allow me to invest and spill Jesus in their lives (you know who you are), the feel and smell of an old hardback, what Jesus is doing in and through my life, love, seasons, health, organization, a cup of warm tea in the morning, Ben Zornes, encouragement, smiles, photographs, Truth, stillness, challenges, zoos, creativity, excitement, a fireplace, gifts, Jesus, comfy chairs, a cool drink of water, a full moon, sunsets, a car that runs, homemade bread, chai, good conversation, nature, used bookstores with old books, leaves on the trees, people who read this blog, time to read, and most importantly, I am thankful for Jesus!
What are YOU thankful for? Why don’t you mention some in the comments.