The 26 Days of Thanksgiving

A tradition has developed.  Not sure if it started on Facebook, but that's where I saw it first.  Starting with the letter "A" on November 1st, a person will spend the days leading to Thanksgiving listing what they are thankful for.  For example, on November 1st, I would say I am thankful for apples, autumn, America, and Ann (my sister-in-law). 

I decided to deviate somewhat, and pick a word that meant something to me, then define and describe it.  What started out as a simple matter turned into a heady, thought-provoking month.  The list was thrown together in about 5 minutes, minus a few letters.  I changed a few words last minute, and I actually typed out a "T" word, erased it all, changed the word, typed a bunch, erased that, then changed the word again, and finally finished.  November was also a very busy month of work for me, and there were times when I started work later than I had planned.  The pressure to finish the word and go to work was great, and possibly kept me from overthinking the whole process.  One of my biggest fears in a work like this is sounding pompous.  It was a simple task, and although it went beyond simple, I tried to keep it as such.  Oh, I can also ramble easily, so I'll get to the words now.

I am thankful for: A - Abundance. When God is sufficient, I am humbled. When God is abundant, I am dumbstruck.

I am thankful for: B - Blessing. To give to those in need, and to receive when needy. Without caring for each other, life would seem rather pointless.

I am thankful for: C - Charity. To give without expectation of return is not in my selfish nature. I mean, nothing in return: no thank you card, no smile, no handshake, no claiming the amount on my taxes (Ouch!)... Charity benefits the recipient, but true charity builds character in the giver. Thank you for the example given to me, that I may attempt to live in a similar fashion.

I am thankful for: D - Duty. Belonging to a unit that is bigger than oneself is how we were created. It starts with family, and matures into job, church, country, pick something. Having a sense of responsibility to that unit, and giving what you can, up to and including your life, should be accepted as a normal part of existence, and fulfilled with honor.

I am thankful for: E - Eternity. What if life was you're born, you live, and then you die. Disappear from existence completely. I just don't think I could handle that very well. I have hope, hope for something better.

I am thankful for: F - Forgiveness. In the financial world, forgiving a debt is cancelling it. The debtor owes, but the debt owner decides the debtor has to pay nothing for the balance of the debt, now or ever. The debt is still on the books, but it is a zero balance. I have been wrong in my life, sometimes very wrong. And the people who I have wronged have sometimes said to me, "You have wronged me, but I forgive you.". Its not like I never wronged them, they simply don't demand recompense, whether it be reparations, or punishment. I owe them nothing, and it is their choice alone to free me from my debt. By their kind example, I have learned to forgive others.

I am thankful for: G - Grace. Many definitions of grace. The grace I've been given isn't the charm and poise definition. You only have to know me for 2 minutes to know how little grace I possess. The grace I have been given is best described as "unmerited favor". There's no deed I can do, no emotion I can conjure, no thought I can possess that would make me worthy of grace. To be given good things that I don't deserve is a gift that baffles me. But like forgiveness, it is a choice made by the one giving grace, not by the one receiving it. This was a tough one for me to define exclusively. Sorry Diane, not as eloquent on this one, but in 3 and 7 days, it will be more clear ;-)

I am thankful for: H - Humility. "Not thinking more of myself than I ought" is challenging at times. I want to be important, I want to have a voice, I'm not an idiot. But there are times when I need to behave according to my current station in life. My actions and attitudes should reflect the reality of my position, and not my interpretation of it. The good news is, this is a free and great country, and if I'm not happy with my current station, I can work to improve it. So I can either think I'm more than I am, or I can work to actually be more than I am. It works with relationships, also. I can think I am more important to someone than I really am, and then be really hurt when I find out I'm not. Then its a matter of working towards a better relationship, if that's what both parties want. I always pictured a humble person as someone on their hands and knees, a very subservient position. But that's not humility. Humility is also not thinking less of myself than I ought, which brings incredible strength to the concept. For me, being humble is not overstepping my boundaries, and doing my best wherever I am at. If its cleaning toilets, they should sparkle. If its leading a force to war, there should be great confidence in the leader, that the leader will perform with the voice of a commander and the heart of a servant towards those they lead. Making coffee, filing paperwork, sellling cars, running a business... all can be performed with either humility, or with arrogance. There have been times when I have been "brought down a notch", and have "eaten humble pie". I thought more highly of myself than I ought, and those with a better grip of reality were tasked with making that reality clear to me. Its never fun to be humbled, but an honest look at our attitude will show the necessity of it, and how it will help us to grow if we allow it. "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you", and humble pie won't be on the menu.

I am thankful for: I - Idiosyncrasies. From the Greek, a mingling of one's individual temperaments. A more modern adaptation is the actual peculiar quirks themselves. I've always been a little different, one step off the beaten path, walk on the grass next to a perfectly good sidewalk type of person. I've tried to change, really I have, but I was truly unhappy trying to live as someone who wasn't me. And those around me weren't terribly happy, either. I have learned to accept my peculiar traits, because its in the mingling of all of them that I find my personality. There are, unfortunately, some of my peculiarities that can be annoying, and require a bit of tolerance on the part of others who wish to deal with me. But that's ok with me, because I have to be tolerant of your annoying idiosyncrasies as well ;) As long as my overall behavior is socially acceptable, uncriminal, and responsible, then I am thankful for, and should delight in, those good quirks that make me me, and try to not flaunt the terribly annoying quirks that also make me me.

I am thankful for: J - Justice. A decision made towards a wrong committed, based in righteousness and integrity. Or, the punishment fits the crime. After Forgiveness and Grace a few days ago, how do I write about justice? Where does giving too much grace, too much forgiveness make me a doormat? I suppose it's all in the attitude of the heart. If I'm focused on myself, I see my hurt, and want you to hurt, probably more than me. If I'm focused on love, then I hurt for you, and its more important to see your heart restored than restitution for me. Justice, then, would be served when I am restored, materially and physically, plus something for my hardships. If I commit an injustice, performing restitution is important for my finding my way back to a heart of righteousness. If forgiveness and grace are performed from the heart of the giver, justice is a tool that can build restoration and maturity in the heart of the unrighteous. I am thankful to live in a society where justice is treasured, even if not always served properly. We still try. And I'm thankful that when I'm wrong, there's a path for me to find my way back.

 

I am thankful for: K - Kindling. I have always challenged myself when lighting fires, whether it be a fireplace, firepit, or charcoal grill, to get it going with only one match. Doesn't always happen, but I've gotten a lot better over the years. Since one match won't light a log on fire, kindling is a very important step. What mix of kindling is available, how it is set up, assuring proper airflow light the match, and Whoosh! We got fire! Watch how the smoke rises, how everything catches fire in its turn, then you're sitting with warm feet and s'mores. Or, the fire just goes out, and the second match is required. Sometimes more than two matches. Eventually, with enough matches and a good accelerant, a roaring fire can be had. Relationships are like that. Some are perfectly set up, and a spark can light a lifetime aflame. Some relationships take more work, more tending. Kindling doesn't determine what type of fire you will eventually have, it just determines how much work it will take to get there. Be patient and smart with the kindling, and the log will eventually warm up.

 

I am thankful for: L - Laughter. I've never been afraid to laugh. Out loud. Sometimes I sound like my grandmother. Other times its the quiet convulsing type. I don't really care, as long as I'm laughing. Sometimes I've laughed at the wrong things, the wrong people. I've offended people with my laughter (sorry, Jerry). I've laughed as a defense mechanism, because I didn't want to cry. When I was younger, and mad at my brother, he would start telling really stupid jokes just to make me laugh, then I couldn't be mad at him because we were both laughing so hard. But for the most part, when I laugh, I know I'm comfortable with whom I am around, and am enjoying my current situation. We will struggle, we will cry, but that's all a part of life. Being happy is certainly preferable. I am thankful for all my friends here, because I can't think of one of you with whom I would not be comfortable sharing a good laugh.

 

I am thankful for: M - Mercy. From the 6th century, to show compassion to the helpless. Later, adapted by the courts to show a punishment that has been mitigated by a compassionate judge. Used often in the Bible as a plea to God for leniency. What defender walks into a court and doesn't want leniency? If you've ever wronged another person, and I have a few times, its in their hands to demand justice, but don't you always hope they'll be kind? Why would they be kind? Lenient? Compassionate? Merciful? Because chances are they've also committed a wrong at some point. Fact is, we all have. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7, Holy Bible). A person who has received mercy is more apt to give mercy, and the greater the offense and disposition of mercy, the more likely a person is to desire mercy for others. I am thankful for the mercy given to me, so I should then go out and be merciful. A great and simple way to end this four-part microseries is this: Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don't deserve. And Forgiveness is no longer deserving anything.

 

I am thankful for: N - Name. I did a study on Helen Keller once, and she was a pure devil until Annie Sullivan broke through. That day at the water pump, she realized water had a name, and that gave the water value in her mind. She spent the rest of the day, and well beyond, realizing all those things that had names had some sort of place in her life. I think about my own name, and what sort of impact it has on this world. When others hear my name, what do they think? Does my name have value in their lives? I realize there are some who don't give a lick what their name means, outside their own little circle. I believe I should be able to carry my name with pride wherever I go, because it is what connects me to the processes of the world beyond myself. I should also respect the names of those who deem their name worthy of respect, and live lives according to that belief. I am thankful for my name, and more so for the opportunity to make it worth something.

 

I am thankful for: O - Opportunity. From the Latin opportunus, towards a port or harbor. Our society is accustomed to going where we want, when we want, and getting there NOW! Sailing ships had to wait days or weeks for the right moment to sail into a port. Weather, tides, daylight, other ship traffic, waiting for the opportune moment to bring her in. I have missed many opportunites in my life due to misread circumstances, poor timing, bad judgment, being unfamiliar with the ground I was covering. But I have also taken advantage of open doors, and walked through them to find the goodness awaiting me. Sometimes, its less about the actual goal, and more about finding the courage to simply head in that direction. I am thankful for this society we live in. Opportunities for a better life are all around me. I have to be open to the possibilities, and possess the courage and stamina to make it through.

 

I am thankful for: P - Perseverance. If you were to ask me when I've persevered in life, I could quickly come up with many, many examples of problems and issues I've had to deal with, and how I suffered through to the end. That's not perseverance. From the Latin, very strict. Perseverance involves a discipline that goes far beyond solving a problem, or working out a relationship, or just suffering through some hardship. There's a mindset in use that doesn't allow quitting under any circumstances, even during the worst of it. Perseverance is walking a line that doesn't waiver, regardless of what storms assault you, or when the ground is crumbling beneath your feet. Ask me about those times in my life, and there are just a few. During those times when life tried to suck the breath out of me, I learned what perseverance really is. I am thankful for perseverance not because I am strong or capable, but because I know who and what I can rely on when my strength and courage fails.

 

I am thankful for: Q - Quandaries. I love puzzles. Any type of puzzle. We currently have a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle on our table, almost finished. Only been two and a half weeks! Crosswords, sudoku, brain teasers... Oh, and those wrought-iron scrolled metal puzzles where you have to separate the two pieces! I love challenging my brain to find the logic in a puzzle. Make it work, think hard, figure it out, complete the challenge. I think puzzles are very important for our development, because in life, the puzzles we encounter usually aren't simply a logic-bender. They become quandaries when they involve emotions, real-life consequences, and may affect others' lives as well. And they usually aren't fun. Why would I then be thankful for quandaries? Because they allow me the opportunity for success in life. This is a harsh, difficult world we live in, and problem-solving under challenging circumstances is a learned behavior. I don't want the success in my life to be attributed to others solving my problems and making decisions for me. Sharing my life's successes is fine, but as a mature and responsible adult, I need to find solutions to my own problems. Puzzles teach me to think logically and to search for solutions. Fighting through quandaries builds my character, making me a stronger person and a more capable friend.

 

I am thankful for: R - Relaxation. After P and Q, I need a little R & R! From the Latin laxus, slack, and its derivative relaxare, to stretch out again, loosen. Just saying the word "relax" makes me want to find the nearest couch, kick off my shoes, and grab a cold glass of my favorite beverage: lemonade. Relaxing doesn't just feel good, its necessary. I've gone through spurts where it was very difficult to find time to chill, and it produces unhealthy results physically, mentally, and emotionally. I'm in a time right now where life is crazy, and its hard to find enough hours to sleep, let alone relax. And the holidays are upon us. But I must find time to relax, or no one will like me very much. So bring on the heat, I've been through it before, but do me a favor: If you've worked hard, stressed out, and gotten through yet another week of insanity, at some point today, raise your glass, and be thankful that you are able to stop and take one minute to forget the world, then close your eyes and breathe deeply. Commit some time this weekend to relax. Yes, I know you don't have any. Find it! We need a functioning you, but we would prefer liking you while you do it. I'm off to another long day at work, but that couch won't be far from my thoughts! (Author's note: Besides my own, this wasn't pointed in any particular direction. If you think I am speaking about you, then I am, and you are way too stressed and need to follow my advice!)

 

I am thankful for: S - Salvation. I'm not a bible-thumping, in your face, forward-this-email-or-burn type of Christian. In fact, I'm generally a non-confrontational type, at times to my detriment. But this is what I'm thankful for, so I will say this: More than my Mom. My Dad. Siblings. Kids. Wife. Family. Friends I consider family. A church I consider family. A house, a job, food, sleep, clean underwear, and chocolate raw milk. More than anything or anyone I've encountered in my forty-six years of life on this planet, I am thankful for my salvation in Jesus Christ. If I could only be thankful for one thing, if I had to pick just one thing in my entire life... it would be the birth, life, death, resurrection, and future return of my Lord and Savior.

I am thankful for: T - Trust. There are things we trust that we never have to think about. Laws of nature, for instance. Gravity is great for keeping me from floating off. Or the government. My paycheck will continue to get smaller, no matter how much I earn. Its simply a done deal. Trust in relationships is a tougher deal. We are all human, prone to mistakes and missteps, judgment calls, and emotional decisions. Depending on another can be quite a risk. I am thankful for those in my life who have demonstrated a trustworthy character, and taught me the importance of such behavior.

 

I am thankful for: U - Unicycle. If you've been my fb friend at all this year, you will understand this one. I learned how to ride 25 years ago, but just really got into riding early this year. I actually haven't ridden in about a month, due to the power outage, Scrooge, the time change, and my insane work schedule. I will say again, I believe it could be my favorite exercise, ever. That would take a little more time to determine, because I have just scratched the surface of what I'm capable of, and am still riding on a learner. But if a learner is this much fun, I can't wait to develop my skills. And get some better equipment. Have I mentioned how great an exercise it is? It works everything from the rib cage down, all the time. Ride for an hour, it is a true hour-long workout. Its insane, and it will keep me in great shape for many years to come. I haven't enjoyed, truly enjoyed, exercising like this since my teenage days. And for all of you nay-sayers who think you could never do it, you're actually saying I'm special because I can. I'm not. I just want to. I'm so thankful for my unicycle. You really have no idea.

 

I am thankful for: V - Variety. As the old saying goes, "Variety is the spice of life." From the Latin, diversity. Differences within the same group. You can't have a variety of apples and oranges, but you can have a variety of apples, or a variety of fruit. I find myself in routines many times. Get up, shower, eat cereal in a bowl with banana and milk. A glass of OJ with my meds. Get dressed with jeans and a polo. Do the same job. Talk to the same people. Life could get old really quick, so I change things up. Eat different cereals. Wear a different color shirt. Throw out a fb hello to someone I haven't talked to in a while. Those all seem like little things, but they make the same day after day routine tolerable. The big changes come during holidays and vacations, and are necessary to remind us that we may be tied down to a particular manner of living, but there's still a big world out there to take our mind off things, even for just a bit. Then, there's us. I went over this on Day "I", but I will say I'm glad for the variety within us as people. I would certainly not want to be you, and I'm fairly sure you wouldn't want to be me. Trust me on that one. However you want to group us, I'm glad for the variety in our personalities. As I go about my day today, I will remember to thankful for the necessary stability in my life, but also the differences that make life shine!

 

I am thankful for: W - Wisdom. As a young lad, I figured I was fairly wise. Actually, I did pretty well learning from the mistakes of others. Problem was, I later learned, that for every mistake I learned to not commit, I usually invented two of my own, some worse than others, some bearing or not bearing consequences equal to the action. Wisdom requires right knowledge coupled with just action. I don't always know rightly or act justly, but learning from these opportunities is how wisdom grows in me. I would hope to have grown wise over the years, but there is one thing I have learned: The final lesson of wisdom is that there is always, always one more mistake to make. Such is life, and I would not have it any other way.

 

I am thankful for: X - X-Ray. Before x-rays, people thought it was crazy to be able to see inside a body. For the first time in human history, man was able to see inside a body without surgery. Much less guesswork, and diagnoses were much more accurate. With the advent of greater medical technologies, we've greatly surpassed the x-ray's ability, but it was the x-ray that broke the medical mol...d. What was inside the body, hidden, was now viewable. For Christians, the Bible is our x-ray machine, our way to see inside. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." That doesn't sound very comforting. There are times when I behave because I should always behave, and then there are times when I behave because I know there will be negative consequences. Then, of course, there are times when I just do what I want because I don't care. I can hide my thoughts and intents from most, but if I apply biblical principles, the truth is always revealed. That is a very comforting thought, because it keeps me honest. Mostly :-/

 

I am thankful for: Y - Yearning. There's something great about getting what I want. The right Christmas present, my favorite dessert on Thanksgiving, having the people in my life that I love, life in general moving in a positive direction. But how many, many stories have I heard about rich people having everything they could ever want and still feeling empty? From the Old English, to eagerly desire. This is different from a want. I can want to go snowboarding, but I yearn to go snowboarding with my son. There's a much deeper emotional level attached to yearning than just wanting. Yearning brings hope, and extra motivation to do all that is possible to help fulfill what is missing. I've learned to live peacefully with what I have, that wanting is a good thing when its not solely out of lust, and the holes in my heart that cause me to yearn for something cause great joy when that desire is fulfilled.

 

I'm thankful for: Z - Zee End. Go on, tell me I'm cheating. Fine. There weren't any Z words that really jumped out at me. Rosalie suggested zeal, but I really haven't had a life-long enthusiastic devotion to anything, enthusiastic being the key word. I've always been a low-key personality. Some of you may not believe that, because I do get excited about things, but for a lifelong, high-level passion, I just haven't been anything close to zealous. So this is the end of my first self-imposed writing assignment, and I liked it. It was difficult for my undisciplined person to sit in a chair and type every day, but I made it through. With the overtime I was getting, some days were amazingly difficult to find the time. I think one word, one little paragraph, took almost an hour. Many took at least a half hour. On the other hand, if I had had more time, I may have over-thought things, written too much, tried to sound like more than I am. If that did happen, my apologies. I am thankful its over, would like to find another avenue for writing, we'll see what happens. Until then, thanks for being a gracious audience.