Although Thanksgiving has passed us by quite some time ago, I am thinking today about all the persons, places and things for which I am 'thankful'. Perhaps that is what being trapped inside the house for five straight days with no one to talk with but one's wife does to one. I can't count the number of times I thought about getting in the car and going for a drive, only to realize that there was too much snow to do so. Or how many times I thought about just going for a short walk and then saw 12 inches of snow and that I no longer own a pair of snow boots. Together, over the past five days, RaeLyn and I watched 9 movies, 16 re-run episodes of NCIS and 6 re-run episodes of NCIS: LA. She has read three books and I finished one and started another. Also, I have listened to 2 operas and 14 podcasts.
This afternoon, we got into my car and drove to Fred Meyer. We then drove to Monroe to feed RaeLyn's fish at her pre-school. Then we drove to Lake Stevens to see my sister. We stopped and had a wonderful dinner at Luca's Italian Restaurant and listened a bit to a fine singer while we ate. Upon our arrival at good old "home sweet home" I realized how grateful I was to be able to get out of the house and go places, any places I wanted. One thing led to another and I began to collect things and people and items for which I thanked God.
Sometimes we need to go without to spend some time thinking about all the things we have. I can't believe how much I take for granted; when I am busy running about I forget how fortunate I am to own the home that I do. When I am stuck in that same home, all I can think about is getting out and going some place and doing something.
I believe that God has been exceedingly generous with us. We have truly wonderful children, beautiful grandchildren, a comfortable home, successful and respected careers, friends, activities, and so on and so on and so on . . .
No, it's not Thanksgiving but I am thinking that we all can spend a little more time thinking about how fortunate we are. My next move is to decide what my next move should be.
