How do you express your thanks on Thanksgiving Day? Many people say a special blessing as they sit down to their Thanksgiving dinner. Some go around the table and have everyone name one or more of the people and things they are thankful for. For others it’s more private, with meditation or prayers of gratitude on their own.

I usually do some combination of this, and this year, I decided to add something new. I made a list of things I am grateful for, running the gamut from A to Z – literally. I wrote down every letter of the alphabet, and came up with something I am thankful for that starts with each one. Some were easy, like the letter F. Family and friends always top the list of what I’m grateful for. Lots of people probably add food and football. This year, my “F word” is Friends, and I’m separately listing my Husband, Kids, Grandchildren, Parents, Sisters, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews, and In-laws. This covers more letters of the alphabet, but more importantly, it reminds me to think of them individually instead of as one all-inclusive group.

I expected some letters, such as J, Q, V, X, and Z, to be more challenging than others, and was surprised at how quickly I was able to fill them in. Two very close friends have names that start with J, and they both happen to be regular readers of my blog. So I’m going to single them out, and be grateful that they’ll see themselves here and know how much they mean to me.

I’m also grateful for Quiet time, and for the Vaccines that protect me against things like COVID, the flu, and shingles. For the Xterra that got us through harsh Minnesota winters, though we still drive it here in Georgia. And for Zena, the black lab we adopted from the Humane Society when our kids were young, and who was a beloved member of our family until she crossed the Rainbow Bridge some years ago.

I’m thankful for the Doctors who help keep me healthy, and for the Education I’ve received throughout my life, as well as the Teachers I’ve had, both inside and outside of classrooms. I’m grateful for Books, Magazines, and the time I can spend Reading and Writing, for Organizations I belong to and enjoy, and for the Lake I can see out my back door.

Feel free to make this activity a part of your Thanksgiving, by making your own list or inviting your family to make a game of it. You might do it as a group, or as a contest to see who can be the first one to get through the entire alphabet with people and things they are thankful for.

By the way, if you were keeping track and counted only 25 letters used in my list, it’s because I wanted to close with one more thing I am thankful for – You! I appreciate everyone who reads and enjoys my blog, and occasionally lets me know when something in particular has touched or inspired you. I am SO grateful for you – not just on Thanksgiving, or each week as I’m writing my blog, but every day of the year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 23, 2022
©Betty Liedtke, 2022

I welcome your comments, but please be aware that all comments will be moderated and approved before appearing on this blog. This is to protect all of us from unwanted spam.