For the last two weeks, I’ve entertained (bored?) my Facebook friends with a daily status about something for which I’m thankful. It’s a prelude to Thanksgiving Day, and something I did in 2009, too.
In case you missed them, here’s the list for 2010.
Nov. 11: Good morning, Facebook peeps! Time to start my second annual Thanksgiving series of the things for which I am thankful. On Veterans Day, let’s start with all of those who have served in our nation’s military. They’ve protected our lives and our freedoms.
Nov. 12: Today I am thankful for all of my Facebook friends, with whom I share bits of my life and who so generously share some of their lives with me. It’s a joy to be able to stay in touch with so many people who’ve played roles in my life!
Nov. 13: Today I am thankful for quiet moments. They’re the brief slices of existence when time seems to stop — enjoying a cool morning on the porch, listening to waves at the beach, pausing during a hike to drink in your surroundings.
Nov. 14: It’s Sunday, a good day to be thankful for all the people of God who’ve been a part of my church and spiritual life. Thank you to the members and pastors of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in York, Abiding Peace Lutheran in Budd Lake, N.J., Emmanuel Lutheran in Middleburg, Pa., and Hope Lutheran in Cranberry Township, Pa.
Nov. 15: Today I am thankful for those who teach. In addition to the many classroom teachers who touch all our lives, I’m also thankful for those many others who’ve taken time to teach me a skill, mentor me and encourage me.
Nov. 16: Today, I’m thankful the disease that took my thyroid more than seven years ago has never returned. Life is good!
Nov. 17: Today, I am thankful for my two wonderful children — Lauren and Ian — who make me smile (almost) every time I talk with them. I’m not sure how it happened, but they’ve become terrific young adults, and I’m proud of ’em!
Nov. 18: Today I am thankful for people who give back to their communities. I spent the day with former University of Alabama and Miami Dolphin defensive back Don MacNeal, who talks with middle school and high school students all over the country about making good, responsible choices in their lives.
Nov. 19: Today, I am thankful for the food and water that sustain me and the roof that shelters me.
Nov. 20 Today, I am thankful for humor and laughter. Our worlds are much brighter places when they’re filled with laughter. Take a moment to today to crack a smile, and we’ll all feel better!
Nov. 21: Today I am thankful for my family — Dad and my late mom, my sisters, my brother, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins and my kids. I appreciate the joys we share and the safe haven they provide when the world gets a little bit stormy.
Nov. 22: Today, I am thankful for music! No matter what kind of day you’re having, there’s a song to to reflect it or a song to change it. And if you can’t think of a song that fits, you can always make one up!
Nov. 23: Today, I am thankful for my fiance, Susan, for the circumstances that brought us together and for all the things she does to make my life better and brighter!
Thanksgiving Day: Today, I am again thankful for the experiences that have shaped my life over the past year and beyond. There have been joys, sorrows, hurts, healing, celebrations, successes and failures. I’m grateful for all of it.
Now, let’s eat!