I am grateful for:

• pretty rocks, especially the ones left behind by grandchildren.
• a new roll of paper towels or toilet paper or a new box of tissues, or a new bag of chips.
• a friend who understands the same kind of rejection I experience.
• the privilege of having ice in my drinks.
• belly laughs.
• handwritten happy mail.
• cool fronts in August.
• moments when I can play the piano and no one is listening.
• leaf individuality.
• the story of John 8:1-11.
• carbonation bubbles on the tongue.
• Big Brother episodes on the DVR.
• a surprise phone call from grandchildren

• RadioLab.
• the pain of remembering the past in order to never forget.
• a shoulder rub.
• a mourning dove so close I could touch her and just on the other side of the window but unaware that I am watching her.
• no access to water all day long so that I am even more grateful for running water and toilets that flush.
• silence after a day of tools, silence after the noise of news.
• a long hug.
• learning new words – exigent, kipitzer, and full tilt boogie, my words for today.
• the sound of big rain drops on the windshield.
• the hope I have that one day they will ask with open ears and mind and a softened heart, and I will have the opportunity to share.
• potato chips that are not stale.
• moments when Sam is Sam and feeling good.
• the privilege of praying for friends and their children.
• sharing a sandwich on a porch swing – with potato chips as the side.
• this hymn.

This, all of this…is bliss.