I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. — G.K. Chesterton
We all have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes the difficulties and disappointments that come our way with life-changing force make it hard to see the goodness of God through the veil of tears. So it’s good to have a season where you remind yourself of what we have to be thankful for. Every Most Some nights we have sat at the table and shared what we are thankful for this month. It can get hilarious. Anyway here are some random things I’m thankful for…
1. I’m thankful for the wind that blows the leaves out of our yard into our neighbor’s yard because they have teenagers who can rake them up.
2. I’m thankful for the way my wife’s hair takes on a reddish edge in the bright sun light. It’s hard to explain but it has the feel of seeing her for the first time all over again.
3. I’m thankful for friends who when we go out to eat, don’t eat everything but eat too much for there to be enough to take it home and so I make sure I sit real close to those friends.
4. I’m thankful my wife is a fantastic cook because we cannot afford to go out to eat a whole lot.
5. I’m thankful for my books for which I wouldn’t trade the grandest of vacations.
6. I’m thankful for a God who rescues those of us who resist it.
7. I’m thankful for bluesy guitar work that pushes against the darkness in ways I cannot understand.
8. I’m thankful for the hide button on Facebook and the mute button on Twitter.
9. I’m thankful for my kids’ laughter.
10. I’m thankful for coffee without which nothing.
11. I’m thankful for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade because it’s the best excuse to stop cleaning up before family comes over.
12. I’m thankful for my brothers and sister-in-laws and nieces and nephews on this first holiday season without my parents. Keeps those orphan blues at bay.
13. I’m thankful for the Jason Hayward trade.
14. I’m thankful for the Psalms in which I’ve seen myself and God more.
15. I’m thankful there is a dawn after the long dark night of the soul.
16. I’m thankful for the God-given skill of putting anything in a taco.
17. I’m thankful for Mystery Road which I’ve been listening to for 25 years.
18. I’m thankful for grilled leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and cream cheese sandwiches.
19. I’m thankful I live in the city I love the most.
20. I’m thankful for the hope, undeserved, by which we make our way in this world till the end of our days and see the One hoped for, face-to-face.
Echoes and Stars 
Although our families have never met, I am thankful for you.(and your family, because they sound awesome) your compassion and voice for the abused and hurting, your excellent book, The God of the Mundane, and for your often perfectly-timed humor. Thank you for reminding us of His mercies and the good things in life.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Amen!
You made me smile today…Happy Thanksgiving, Matt, from Steve and me, who appreciate your humor, tinged with sadness but hopeful, too. Lots of people are blessed by that honesty.
Yes, all of the above statements resonate with me. I smiled big reading this. Thank you from Scotland.
If you’re thankful for the Jason Heyward trade, I’m guessing you’re not a Braves fan (also, you spelled his name wrong). You’ve gotten a good player, and (as far as I can tell) a good man. Please tell me Shelby Miller is good, too.
By the way, since I’ve never posted here before, I want to compliment both your writing and the sentiments it expresses.
If you’re thankful for the Jason Heyward trade, I’m guessing you’re not a Braves fan (also, you spelled his name wrong). You’re getting a good player, and (as far as I can tell) a good man. Please tell me Shelby Miller is good, too.
By the way, since this is my first comment, I want to compliment both your writing and the sentiments it expresses.
Thanks all! And nope, I’m a Cards fan. I can only tell you Miller *may* one day be a great pitcher. But right now, he can’t through the 6th inning. I will not miss him at all.