Today I am thankful for cold weather that reminds me of the seasons of life and makes me remember how much I hated the heat of a Memphis summer. And especially getting in to a black car with leather seats in the dead of summer.
I am thankful for the opportunity to work with young people who continue to teach me about the world out there and the person inside, much more than I ever imagined possible when I answered my call to be at Holy Communion.
Tomorrow I will be thankful it is the weekend. And I can spend some time with my dad.
I am thankful for my father who yesterday turned 56 and can still put on an orange bandanna around his head and through up peace signs. I am thankful for my father who can forgive me and be understanding that sometimes I have meetings until 10pm and that the 30 minutes we spent last night from 10:15 to 10:45 was special to me.
I am thankful for my friend Logan who is unconsciously so brutally honest it can be hurtful from time to time, but because his honesty comes from love, keeps me in check and helps me to be honest with myself.
I am thankful for my friend Kat. She has really yummy Cupcakes. Her grandmother’s nickname was Muddy.
I am thankful for the Clergy at Holy Communion, for their guidance and for their support both in my work life and my personal life and all that they do to support my ministry and me as a person.
This thanksgiving Holiday I am thankful that my parents will give up their plans to go out of town so that I may spend thanksgiving with them.
I am thankful for my roommate Large. I am thankful that we often disagree on many issues but have learned how to respectfully listen and be in conversation with each other so that we can encourage our own growth.
I am thankful for my sister Ann who I can struggle to get along with and be in relationship with more than anyone I know, yet can support me and be loving through all that we endure.
I am thankful for the parents at Holy Communion who go out of their way to do all that they can to support the youth program from driving vans to cooking meals.
I am thankful for the many girls of St. Mary’s who smile and say hi and make my day better and better each time they do.
I am thankful for the Gospel according to Beuford and his often prophetic voice and his words of comfort and support each morning as I walk into my work space.
I am thankful for today, because I believe it is a gift from God.
I am thankful for music not only the music I get to create but the music I listen to that helps me express how I feel and know that others feel that way too.
I am thankful for my cat Meriwether also known as Flannery O' Cat. She also suffers from FRAP (frantic random activity periods). And she is a brat but I still am thankful for her.
I am thankful for JK Rowling. Because by reading her books I can live out my childhood dream of being a wizard and doing magic.
I am thankful for my mother who always has enough time to listen to everything I have to say.
I am thankful for the cafeteria downstairs. It really is a wonderful convenience to work at a school and have access to lunch every day during the school year well except for the days they serve breakfast for lunch. Not a fan, and I know I'm not the only one.
I am thankful for all of the volunteers who put a few thousand hours a year into working with the young people of this parish. And make youth ministry successful here.
I am thankful for the staff of Holy Communion. They have to put up with me and it is probably not always easy. From the messes that our groups make, the spills on the carpets, paint on the walls, and food in nearly every corner of this building. Sorry staff.
I am thankful for basketball and the opportunity to coach and share with 5th graders from my grade school something that I really love.
I am thankful that we lost our basketball game last night. And I am proud of the boys they way the handled the loss. You learn a lot more about your character when you fail then when you succeed.
I am thankful for St. Mary's and especially your new middle school. Now I have a really sweet office. Thanks.
I am thankful for the many opportunities I have to serve others here by being present in a faith community.
I am thankful for my dear friend Debra who really seems to know how this world works and is willing to share her advice with me.
I am thankful for my friend Jules, who always calls me at the worst time possible. And forgiving me for not always calling me him back.
I am thankful because today I have a job. I am thankful for the roof over the head and that I have a warm place to sleep. I am thankful for rain, for the sun, for espn, for my seersuck suit, for bowties, for my all of my friends, and so so much more.
I am thankful for this opportunity to write this, because by writing this reflection, I have realized how much I really have to be Thankful for.
What are you thankful for?
