No AI or Chat, just a random collection of my thoughts while focusing on next week’s holiday and what it can mean and why. Supposedly, and loosely historically, the first feast happened after the survivors of the Mayflower‘s arrival joined with indigenous neighbors to celebrate a year survived in spite of. Then I thought with no possibility of gratitude of banned books which I have taught while what is denied literarily is shown literally as part of daily news. I have a scattering of spiritual support for offering thanks thrown in. Yet, what tipped my scale to developing a thankful attitude was an assignment I gave an 8th grader one year.
Mario, name is changed to protect the innocent, was a high performing scholarship student from a low income school to the private school I taught in. He had possibilities and some areas that needed guidance. He skillfully wrote readable prose and never used a period. In desperation, I typed a whole page of heavy black dots. He could not turn in an assignment unless a good number were cut out and glued to a breathing place. Focusing on the need one dot at a time, he met his quota and was able to take obligatory breaths.
So, maybe what I need leading to next week is a list of noticing small times to offer thanks. I can easily get caught in a tangle of world problems, cost of coffee, and children who aren’t fed. Yet, if I can be grateful for what I have, maybe I can share that with someone else. Making myself aware of what is offered has been welcoming an invitation to a musical event I didn’t think was possible, considering a left over meal that means I didn’t have to scramble to feed myself, and, high on the list, making a trip to Boerne next week to be with part of a family with whom I have gathered for most of 64 years. I found my God basis for a yet in Habakkuk 3:17- 19. Find your own good reason in one of the options below. Rejoice and be thankful!
Ephesians 5:20 1 Chronicles 16:34 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Let Me Tell Ya 