I’m thankful for the gloaming,

old hymns in minor keys,

Reuben sandwiches and Subaru
engines.

For reoccurring forgiveness for
besetting sins;

wood heat,

Bach’s Passacaglia and lavender. 

For long-distance phone calls,

library cards,

BBC films

and another leaf in our expanding
table. 

I’m grateful for a grandson and a
stack of books,

for garlic sizzling in olive oil,

for book-lined walls and long car
drives.

French Onion soup,

Sunday dinners,

George Herbert’s poetry,

Two Buck Chuck Cabernet Sauvignon,

toddler laughter and uninterrupted
sleep.

Truth, beauty and goodness,

goodness and mercy,

mercy and grace. 
 

I’m grateful for Google,

down comforters and

freedom from
debt.

I praise God for
reconciliation,

Vaughn Williams and psalms from the
Vulgate;

For manly hugs and kisses,

Hand-knit socks,

alliteration and Carl
Larsson.

Declared
righteousness,

promises kept and

Exodus.

Extended family, the piano,
lingering meals,

Scented candles, speech, and
memories.

Weddings, daughters-in-law,

the researching, thinking and
writing of David McCullough,

extra sharp cheddar cheese, and
Amazon.com boxes.

Pesto, bubble wrap, smiles that
light up the whole face,

Asparagus, chai, and good drinking
water.

Daughters who care for their elderly
mothers,

Sons-in-laws who do the
same;

I’m thankful for the death of death,
for mingled tears,

For temporary sighs and sorrow and
the hope of the future.

Cobb salad, Athanasius, whole wheat
toast.

Independent sons, reading evenings,
growing families.

I give thanks for 100% cotton,
loving rebukes,

Laughter in the morning and southern
windows.

For nostrils, fingernails and belly
buttons,

For DSL, clematis, and airplane
travel,

Different cultures and customs, and
the fun exploration of such,

Enduring
friendships.

I’m thankful for home.

“Oh give thanks
unto the Lord, for He is good.  His mercy endures
forever.”