If you’re not thankful for something this week, you’re not trying. 

If you have a device on which to read this blog, and the time to do so, you’re living above 95% of the planet. (I made that number up – I’m thankful for a lack of shame on that count…) You could start with that – you’re welcome!

I’m thankful that I’m here today. At my writer’s group meeting. Surrounded by intelligent people who love to write. The fact that I’m the only guy there is just a bonus.

I’m thankful to be here, period. Too many of my friends and contemporaries have taken to “Pining for the fjords” this past year. 

I’m thankful that I’ve been asked to serve on The Command Post. It has been an excellent opportunity to use my experience to give back to the first-responder community. 

I’m thankful for the people, both children and adults, who brighten my world when I’m out as Santa Claus. The amount of love and interest can’t but warm your heart. I’m tired at the end of  the day, but I get to meet so many wonderful people. And, if I do my job right, I get to heal a few broken ones as well. A hug and a few moments of quiet prayer go a long way toward healing both of us.

I’m thankful for the elderly Nissan Xterra my wife dumped on me when she got her new car. God works all this stuff out, and I inherited the car at almost the exact moment I no longer drove so much. It’s public transport and airplanes for me these days, the long-distance road trips are at an end. I’m much happier with a 1 hour flight than a 9 hour drive. The manual transmission has made that choice much easier. 

I am thankful that I had a friend named Stormy for over six years. She was an absolute odd-ball in many ways, and a tough girl to get to know. But she taught me a lot about patience, and unconditional love. She loved me, I loved her, but she had a hard time showing it. I miss her greatly, but the experience of living with her prepared me for the next chapter of our lives. 

That chapter is Chewy. He’s what I’m thankful for every day. He’s a 2-year old bundle of silly puppy. He’s terribly shy and timid, but overcomes it when needed. He’s athletic, huge – compared to a Sheltie – and a slobbery kiss fiend. He’s affectionate in an inverse proportion to Stormy. Both were “damaged goods” but both have a chunk of my heart. Chewy will be around a long time – assuming he quits chewing on Kip’s yarn collection.

I’m also thankful that I have other skills, income streams, that allow me the opportunity to write. God has blessed me in that regard. 

I’m thankful for my family. My wife is at the top of the list, but my mom, siblings, and cousins are all important to me.

I think that’s enough to give you a start on your list. Oh, I’m also very thankful for my readers – you!

(One final item: I’m thankful that the guy in the office who trims his toenails at his desk is 5 rows away and out of my line of site.)