Living Thanks

It’s the tried and true tradition of the somewhat stable American family; on the fourth Thursday of November, we gather around the table and take turns sharing what we are thankful for. 

“Family.”

“Faith.”

“Food.” (This one from the sibling who thinks he’s funny.) 

This Thanksgiving reminded me of many Thanksgiving Days before it, but my mindset felt different. Giving thanks shouldn’t just be words spoken at the dinner table and left behind with the leftovers. Giving thanks should be a call to action; a reminder of those to whom we owe our gratitude; a heart posture no matter how dreary our circumstances or weary our minds; a natural response in how we live out our thanks for what Christ has done for us. 

With this sentiment in mind, I made a list of my own — a list that goes a bit deeper and more specific than my usual generic Thanksgiving dinner responses, and one that I plan to continue to add to from time to time:

I’m thankful to have had a childhood that only hurts to remember because I miss it.

I’m thankful for an office with natural light. 

I’m thankful I’m so used to panic attacks that they’re no longer a threat. 

I’m thankful for a variety of ways to move and exercise. 

I’m thankful for friendships that stand the test of distance and change. 

I’m thankful to live and work in a city like I once dreamed. 

I’m thankful for good food (in all seriousness).

I’m thankful to have more than one place where I feel safe. 

I’m thankful for a husband who puts Jesus first and makes me matcha every morning. 

I’m thankful that my many family members live in the same area for now. 

I’m thankful to have a little home to decorate for Christmas. 

I’m thankful for a future that is ultimately secure, no matter how unstable it may seem in the meantime. 

I’m thankful for free moments of creativity.