#GiveThanks

Because we are soon celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday (in the US) and building upon the next Sunday School lesson I thought of making an attempt at listing many of the things I am thankful for, but was surprised at the difficulty of this task. Where to start, how to make it different or more significant than any other list? We are taught that the act of gratitude has healing power - for many of the ailments that medicine is unable to cure. It is an exercise that can become inherent to our nature if practiced regularly. And who wouldn’t want such an edge in the trials of life?
My first few attempts felt a little superficial, perhaps prioritizing things that may not be the most important, trying to avoid even perceived narcissism. Ultimately I decided that overthinking the task wasn’t helping get it done. If we want the benefits of living a grateful life we need to start somewhere. So, with humility I list some of the things I am thankful for:

• The gospel of Jesus Christ and being taught it from a young age.

• My eternal wife who inspires me to become better.

• My four children, my own personal legends.

• My parents, whose sacrifices continue to build a foundation for my success.

• The desire to learn through reading and study, and the fulfillment I feel from finishing a book.

• The opportunity to exercise creativity, be challenged, and develop solutions in my career.

• The opportunity to complete a formal education and the experiences it brought.

• The responsibility to teach, and the learning and growth that comes through self-commitment.

• Musicians who create moving overtures that inspire.

• The diversity of the earth in its great mountains, rivers, forests, oceans, and deserts.

• Healthy habits and medicine that help me overcome physical ailments.

• The miracle of flight and the ease of travel that allows relationships to continue over long distances.

• Horses, especially tame ones.

• The sound of walking through deep snow after a cold night when the top is frozen.

• Topping out after a tough and scary climb.

• Reaching up and finding a bomber hold after you arms have started shaking.

• Scratching behind the ears of a dog that has been a really good boy.

• Apple pie

• Trees that are perfectly hammock spaced apart.

• The smell of old books, and books in general.

• Life, and those who provide it.

• Hope for a better future, and the faith to bring it about.

No doubt there are many things to list, and this list will likely grow over the week. But it’s a start.