“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” Psalm 100:5

One of my joys as a country pastor is the Fall Tour with the Galloping Grannies (and one or two obligatory men). It’s much the same every year. After bundling into vehicles we take a slow drive through the countryside to admire the ruby red sumac, the russet maples, and the barren green fields which still serve as a reminder of warmer times. Along the way we’ll stop to admire a pumpkin patch or take a photo of the group with arms wrapped around each other in anticipation of the cold to come. Then it’s time for a cozy restaurant with good food and an opportunity to reminisce about bygone days.

Which reminds me of the many things for which I’m grateful. Here are a few:

Although I like turkey, and am somewhat partial to cranberry sauce, I’m thankful I don’t have to eat it every day of the year.

I’m thankful for my mother-in-law (don’t let her know!).

I’m thankful that I’ve never gone hungry, except when fasting.

I’m thankful for the storms that God has helped me weather.

I’m thankful for a wife who loves me through thick and thin.

I’m thankful for eyes to see, ears to hear, a mouth to speak, and a mind to learn.

I’m thankful that although things aren’t always what I want them to be, they’re never as bad as they could be.

I’m thankful for differences. Praise God everyone isn’t like me!

I’m thankful that God’s mercies are new every day.

I’m thankful for strength to meet the strain and stress along life’s way.

I’m thankful for every smile and chuckle and grin.

I’m thankful for mountaintops but more thankful for valleys, because growth takes place down where the dirt is.

I’m thankful for indoor plumbing.

I’m thankful for comfort in times of despair.

I’m thankful for the tears that have been forgotten.

I’m thankful for Someone to thank – the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’m thankful for the memory to remember.

I’m thankful that I have more full years to count than lean.

I’m thankful that my hope isn’t in the stuff of this earth – that I’ve got eternity to look forward to.

I’m thankful for the things that haven’t happened, for the accidents I wasn’t involved in, and for every untroubled day.

I’m thankful that “the Lord is good and his love endures forever” Psalm 100:5.

I’m thankful for the privilege of breathing His air and being alive in the midst of His beauty everywhere.

I’m thankful for three extraordinary children; Christie, Matthew and Jonathan – God’s gifts to Karen and me.

And I’m thankful that I can count on God instead of myself.

What about you? Why not make your own list of thanksgiving. After all, in old Anglo-Saxon, to be “thankful” meant to be “thinkful.”