Thanking God for You Friday Five

"Every time I think of you I give thanks to my God." Phillipians 1:3

The assignment: five folks I'm thankful for this Friday after Thanksgiving Day. Hmmm... Well, I never was very good at coloring inside the lines. I'm going for groups.

1. I'm thankful for my family, individually and as a conglomerate (if you knew my family, this would be clear.) My family is a haven of grace and a constant reminder of the need to offer grace. My family is a web of support and a reminder that spiders use their webs to catch their prey. My family is warm cocoa, cold beer, and hot tamales. And for that, I'm thankful.

2. I'm thankful for my church family, individually and as a congregation. I'm blessed with people who love me, challenge me, infuriate me, frustrate me, pray for me, laugh with me (and I suspect on occasion at me) and despite everything continue to show up for worship and every now and then even listen to me. And for that, I'm thankful.

3. I'm thankful for every single child God places in my path because there is just no way to hurry through an encounter with a child. And for that, I'm thankful.

4. I'm thankful for my colleagues in ministry, every single one, especially the ones who drive me nuts with their inability to commit, their indecisive wiffle-waffling, and their absolute assurance that surely tomorrow will bring more clarity than we possess today. I know. It's an odd way to express gratitude. But in and through these folks, I have learned quiet perseverance and have experienced the mysterious and inclusive nature of God's grace. And for that, I'm thankful.

5. Finally, I'm thankful for anyone, human or otherwise, who makes me laugh. So I need to lift up my dog. No one makes me laugh like Sam, though I've got to admit, my husband runs a close second.

Happy Thanksgiving!!