Thanksgiving seemed early this year…

 

 

by Pat Laster

                …but not too early to begin listing, along with every other columnist on the planet (well, on a certain plane) doing the same thing, our Gratitudes.

                Just as I never had to (got to) write an essay on ‘what I did last summer’ I can’t remember ever making a ‘what I am thankful for’ list. Nor do I remember, as a child, making a Santa list, though I probably did verbally. Because my children (as adults) asked, for several years, I did reply to emails about “your list.” But I digress. (I love that phrase.)

                I do remember youthful prayers of ‘God bless…’ lists; even today’s prayers of “God bless…” So here is an alphabetical list, narrative, not poetic. Unless I can’t help making it into blank verse.

                WHAT I AM THANKFUL FOR: written Sunday night after three-and-a-half hour choir and bell rehearsals rescheduled from Thanksgiving eve. With Advent and Christmas programs looming, we couldn’t afford to miss a week of rehearsals.

                A – For the ability to do lots of things—to type, to sing, to write, to read, to read music, to think, to feel, to see, to hear.

                B – For brawn enough to take down cabinet and cupboard doors, remove the hardware, sand them, paint them, then restore the hardware and rehang the doors. But not all in the same day.

                C - For courage enough to flee a stultifying situation, even though it meant breaking a few hearts.

                D – For daughters and daughters-in-law.

                E - For energy and endurance needed to get good things done for the country and the world.

                F – For flashes of insight and ideas leading to great inventions and disease prevention.

                G – For generous folks who give of their time, talent and resources without expecting anything back.

                H – For Habitat for Humanity. (See G.)

                I – For instruments of music and mercy.

                J – For journeys of every kind.

                K – For kinfolk with whom we’ll share the Thanksgiving season.

                L – For lessons that keep us informed and humble.

                M – For mailpersons and their dedication.           

    N – For newspapers—no matter how much they cost.

   O – For obligations that keep our feet to the fire.

   P – For pastimes to keep us from becoming too serious.

   Q – For quiet times.

   R – For restful opportunities. May we take them when they are offered.

   S - For sages and poets who see through to a deeper plane and tell us about what they see.

   T – For times of togetherness—like Thanksgiving.

   U – For urges to be useful.

   V – For voices to proclaim love.

   W – For women friends and colleagues.

   X – For XOXOX, shorthand for hugs and kisses.

               Y – For yesterdays and yonders – the past and the future.

               Z – For zest and zeal in approaching the rest of our lives.

 

c 2012 by Pat Laster, Benton AR USA