Happy Thanksgiving Monday!

So as most of you prepare to savor turkey dinners (or leftovers), and as we look forward to our non-traditional leftover chicken curry (or a meal of whole wheat spaghetti and tomato sauce if I can’t stretch the curry), I thought I’d reflect on some of the many things I am thankful for. Here’s a partial list:

• my husband
• my family, immediate and extended—yes, my in-laws, too!
• my friends, far and near
• that I’m forgiven and free in Jesus Christ
• good health
• that I possess five senses (and sometimes a sixth)
• the education I’ve received
• a comfortable little townhome
• Red Rose tea
• lunch with Shirley at Feleena’s on Friday
• the privilege of sponsoring a Compassion Canada child (actually, we’re on our third one, since the previous two moved out of sponsorship areas and ceased being eligible)
• that it’s time for the Samaritan's Purse annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox-packing event
  
• art & literature
• chocolate:
  
• that James was not fond of the Godiva milk chocolate strawberries ("made from real dried strawberries") we bought Saturday (more for me)
• that our friend’s daughter was out of school fundraiser chocolate bars to sell ('cause I would have bought'em and stuffed myself with even more chocolate)
• that the Smith Falls Hershey’s Chocolate Shoppe is still open, meaning that there is still a slim chance I’ll get to visit it before it closes
  
• that we can watch Church of the Rock on TV on those Sundays we don’t feel motivated to attend a local service
• running water
• the smell of Canadian Tire
• the smell of clover
• red maples
• teddy bears
• technology, especially being able to send emails, Google for information, reconnect with people on Facebook, and order online from McNally Robinson (come to Ottawa!), ChaptersIndigo, and Amazon
• white cheddar popcorn
• obtaining a reasonably priced return flight for early December
• two goofy cats
• Swiffers, 3M lint rollers, and Dirt Devil vacuums with which to clean up aforesaid pet hair
• a good highlight, cut, and blow dry session with a reputable hair stylist
• a good book and a comfortable chair on a rainy day
• a long, leisurely walk
• massage therapy
  
• stretchy jeans
  

Enjoy today!