Yes, I realize we are supposed to get all our thanks taken care of in November. I made a list the other day. Sort of like that other guy who lives up north. Mine was filled with so much that I take for granted. So much that I want to acknowledge and offer a constant thanksgiving.

“You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.” ― Kahill Gibran

• Friends from faraway who take the time to give me a call (remember phone calls?).
• Medical care now available in every other shopping center up and down the main street.
• Tamales from my dear neighbor every Christmas. I’m from San Antonio, that’s what we have this time of year. Helps me remember my childhood Christmas Eve’s with grandparents.

• Hard to find items delivered right to my door (the next day even!).
• Trying out a new restaurant with a friend – I’d never have gone if you hadn’t asked.
• Friends every year who go to football games with me and who make those late night drives home pass so quick.
• Grandchildren are always happy to see me – it doesn’t really get any better than that!
• A warm bed to sleep in on the handful of cold nights in Houston.
• Someone else who cuts my grass all year.
• All those wonderful people at my church, week after week, holding everything in life together with their everyday acts of faith.
• Hats that fit my big head. How did I get so many?
• A handful of sticky friends – right here with me no matter the weather report.
• Shishito peppers at the local grocery store just when I needed that taste. My 3-year-old granddaughter now loves them as well.
• The internet/TV that’s back up and working – just in time for the game.
• A Christmas tree that’s now so easy to set up – in less than 45 minutes. Don’t anyone tell my wife.
• Finding gifts for everyone and never having to hunt around for a parking place.
• Finally, after 30 years down here, locating a great barber.
• Hot Wheels cars, Frozen songs, dress up costumes and pirate ships passed down from one generation to the next.
• Another Sunday has passed and there are still people who attend my Sunday School class (I’ve been teaching it for about 25 years).
• Family photo Christmas cards arriving each day this time of year.

“The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” ― Thornton Wilder

• It’s that time of year when I rehearse all of the holiday rituals and remember all of those people who built so many wonderful memories in my life – at the time I didn’t realize that’s what they were doing and mostly took it all for granted. I’d like to have some of those minutes back, please.
• So many books (I now need to give away) that I’ve collected, read and learned from.
• Friends and I shared favorite holiday movies this morning. I’ve lived in a time with unbelievable technology providing access to so much culture. When I grew up there were just three TV channels.
• Water in bottles. So easy to stay hydrated. I’m certain I never drank any water until I was in my late 20’s. If I did, it was mostly out of a hose in the yard.
• Good hamburgers always make things better.

• Time to play with my grandchildren, and read to them, and now hear them read to me.
• I’m so thankful for memories as I pack them away in boxes these days. So much life filled with joy and delight.
• Living a life with a list like this – that goes on and on…

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” ― Andy Rooney