A Hundred (Give or Take) Little Things...

I am Thankful for all the little things that, when added together, make up a pretty wonderful life.

I am thankful for: little English children with their little English accents; the joy that comes from making people laugh (even when it’s at your expense); when bad things are brought into the sunlight and transform into good things.

I am thankful for: movies—even crappy ones; for artistic ability; for discernment; for strength of character; for the absolutely insane species known as the college-age student; for the girl selling produce who not only graciously forgave me for calling pounds dollars, but who told me that she loved America. 

I am thankful for America; for England; for heated essays on social justice and human rights; for seagulls, for muddy dogs, for wild flowers, and giant doves, and the white mansion on the hill; for abbeys, and graveyards, and pastures; for emotions; for relationships; for trying to figure things out and for not knowing; for waiting and hoping and praying.

I am thankful for: completed rough drafts; feelings of accomplishment; runs in the park; not getting run over by cars; English pancakes (i.e. crepes) and crumpets!; letters; "real meals" successfully cooked; clean sheets; easy-sneezy group presentations; new dresses; having to walk a mile to buy flax-seed.

I am thankful for: sisters (one in particular) and brothers; for moms (or mums) and dads and cousins, and aunts and uncles, and grandparents; for the fact that people we once knew nothing about can become family; for friends, new and old, trusted and gaining trust.

I am thankful for the opportunity to love, to listen, and to do that little thing that might make it on someone else’s list of little things for which they are thankful.