…otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open. – Corrie Ten Boom

Tonight, I am grateful for a return to routine.

I am grateful for the cardinal that was in the front yard this morning when I pulled out of the garage. Out loud, I remarked, “Hi, Mom.”

I am grateful that I can name things for which to be grateful and it doesn’t have to be eloquent, have a flow, or be anything profound. Just counting. Counting whatever comes to mind.

I am grateful for the reminder that there is very little I need, and I am very very blessed with an abundance.

I am grateful for burritos.

I am grateful for Thanksgiving at my sister’s kitchen table.

I am grateful for her two children who helped their Mom cook the meal and get everything ready and then helped with clean up, too. That isn’t a gift. That is taught. They had great teachers.

I am grateful for a surprise package in the mail from Uncle Charlie and Aunt Patsy – a Love Does calendar that will sit on our kitchen table to be used EVERY DAY!

I am grateful for my husband who is so unlike me, because when he is exhausted, he is still kind. When I am exhausted, I am cranky, and he recognizes that fact and tells me to quit working. He knows when I’m done. And I’m grateful for that, too.

I am grateful for locks on bathroom stalls.

I am grateful for car windows that are not broken and are rolled up when it is windy and cold, for lots of paper towels to clean up spilled cake and frosting in the car, and for good reception so that we could listen to the Chiefs game on the way home.

I am grateful for friends who took time to come and see our remodel project and made us feel like we had done a good job.

I am grateful for the wisdom of Corrie Ten Boom.

I am grateful for a brother who helped care for our Aunt and treated her with extra tender loving care.

I am grateful for time in the car with Dad and for discussions that we can have together.

And I am grateful for the time spent yesterday seeing friends and family.