COUNT 'EM

      Specificity matters.
       Generalizations dilute.

      A hymn admonishes "count your blessings, name them one by one".  In yesterday's sermon, our minister noted that expressing gratitude is a "skill".  I acknowledge that I had not thought of it as a "skill" but I believe he is on target.  As with most skills, 'practice' hones the awareness as well as the ability.  While abstract appreciation can be important,  it is when our 'list' of 'blessings' becomes concrete and specific that expressions of thanks can flow from a deeper place within us.  And, maybe 'categories' for organizing and naming specifics can begin the process.

    As an aside, I have observed that for some persons, expressions of thanks  often sound a lot like congratulations to the Deity for having the good judgment to recognize their 'special-ness'. For the moment, this is not for the Narcissists among us.

     Two weeks ago, I heard an elderly clergyman say that he now understands that 'Relationships' matter more than anything else and that he wishes that he had learned that sooner.  So, there is one category:  who has made a positive difference in your life? And, telling them of their influence makes 'good listening'.  And,  if you notice that some (several) of these persons and no longer living, give extra portions to those still living.  Family, friends, acquaintances, as well as professional colleagues can be relational gifts that merit our expressions of appreciation.  (Yes, I know: some of those relationships have caused and still cause profound hurts for many.)

     At almost 77, I am increasingly aware that good health is a Trust  to be protected and nurtured.  "If I had known that I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself", while often tossed off as attempted humor among the elderly, actually is not very funny, especially when historical 'bad habits' come to exact their price.  And, yes, Bad Things happen to good and bad people alike.  Consequently, good health is not to be viewed as one's 'special-ness'; nor, for that matter, are health challenges to be understood as a kind of cosmic retribution.

    Do you remember the Norman Rockwell picture of the family gathered around the Thanksgiving table with turkey and a warm glow?  Whether that was ever the norm or more an idyllic wish, as Thanksgiving Day approaches,  practicing the 'skill' of expressing appreciation (as my mother might have said) 'will not hurt you and might help you.'

    And, "Thanks" for reading these musings, meanderings and mutterings.
   Happy Thanksliving.

      Satchel

    

SON-IN-LAW

       He is very modest and one least likely to 'toot his own horn'.  In his profession, he has been very 'successful', being at 43 the President and CEO of a major corporation in the US.  But, if you were to meet him outside that context and were otherwise unaware, nothing in his demeanor and conversation would be a clue of the position he holds.

     And, while his professional accomplishments and stature are 'impressive', what I admire most and am most grateful for is his love and care for his wife, my daughter.  During their wedding, I said 'a father can tell when a man is kind to his daughter' which he had already abundantly demonstrated.  However, in the past six months, the depth and expressions of his love and caring have been extraordinary.

    In the Spring, my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer.  What a courageous, brave and honest woman she has been throughout those months of unexpected complications . . . during one chemotherapy session, there was a 'leakage' into her hand, resulting in a significant burn.
Her weakened immune system brought on C-dif which (the doctors later told her) came within "an inch" of ending her life.  Now, she has had a second onset of shingles to go with the neuropathy in her feet and the 'chemo-confusion' with her memory and thoughts.  Occasionally, she and friends have recorded her journey on a CaringBridge Blog. (CaringBridge.org,  site Kirstinhoff)

   Through all this, my son-in-law without complaint has 'stepped up' and filled many supporting roles.  (And, just saying it in that manner seems tame.)  On occasions when I have been there, I have seen many evidences of his love for her and their children.  Seeing him prepare the children's breakfasts, make their school lunches, check homework, attend to routine tasks around the home, continue to stay abreast of his work responsibilities, all the while being 'rock solid' for her . . .  well, I find it difficult to find the words to express my admiration, gratitude and affection.

    Recently, she completed her radiation treatment and on the last day, her hospital's staff had a party to mark her milestone.  Here is a picture of them leaving the hospital that day:

  

I am glad that he is "Family"

Satchel