Something to be thankful for every day

I find myself struggling to write a Thanksgiving column this week, as no matter what I say, I am painfully aware of all the suffering going on in the world today. I know that in spite of all the burning disasters, killing sprees, ugliness and uncertainty going on in the world at large and even in our little corner of it, there is always something to be thankful for. And I am thankful, even as I also know I have much more to be thankful for than so many others do.

So today this is a slightly reworked repeat from a couple of years ago, offered not only as a reminder to you that there is always something to be thankful for, but as a reminder to myself as well:

Every morning when I wake up to a new day, I am thankful to be alive, and every morning when I sit at the breakfast table and eat the food before me, I am thankful for the bounty in my refrigerator and cupboards. I am also thankful for the clothes I wear, and the medicines I take, and the computer that brings me news, ideas and oftentimes smiles and belly laughs.

Every morning when I go to work, I am thankful that I have the means to get myself where I need to go. I'm thankful for the streets I drive, and the trees and flowers and bushes – and people and pets – I see on my way.

Every morning when I get to work, I am thankful for other drivers who drive courteously - carefully and aware and not on a cell phone - so that we all may arrive safely at our destinations. I am thankful that I have work to do and for the people with whom I work, who make my work more rewarding, meaningful and happy; I am thankful for all the inspiration I get from all the other creative people.

Every day at lunch I am thankful again for the food I eat. I'm also thankful that I am often able to share my lunchtime with people I enjoy talking to and being with, and for the many choices we have of places to eat. And if people aren't available, I'm thankful for the good books I enjoy reading when eating alone.

Every evening when I come home, I am thankful for my home. I'm thankful for every room and rug and rafter - for the walls that keep the heat in and the cold out; for the furniture that keeps me comfortable and the lights that let me read or craft; for the running water that keeps me healthy and clean; for the ceiling that keeps the rain and the snow off my head.

Every evening when I can spend time with family or friends, I am thankful that we have each other. I am thankful for the time we have to experience things together and the chances we have to learn more about each other. I am thankful for every laugh that gets bigger and more hearty and joyful when shared, and for every sorrow that gets smaller and less consuming when shared.

Every evening when I can be in my yard – even just sitting in the porch swing, gazing at the scenery and listening to the birds – I am thankful for the flowers that bloom and the leaves that falls and the moisture that brings life to it all. I am thankful for the constant reminders of living things and changing seasons all around me.

Every evening when I watch television or listen to music or read a book, I am thankful for what strangers share - their experiences, opinions, talents, skills and knowledge - for my entertainment or education. I am thankful that there is always something new to learn, new perspectives to ponder, new eyes through which to see this big, magnificent world.

Every night when I go to bed, I am thankful for the day I've had and for the people who touched my life that day; I am also thankful for those whose lives I may have touched.

In spite of everything that goes wrong or brings hurt, there is so much to be thankful for every day, and I am grateful that I know enough to be thankful for all of the blessings in my life, both big and small.

© Marilda Mel White. Mel, local writer/photographer and co-owner of Tehachapi Treasure Trove, has been looking on the bright side (and finding much gratitude to write about) for various publications since 1996, She welcomes your comments at [email protected].