#givethanks: A Retrospective

My last post was a list. This post is a list. I know I’ll have another list posted by the end of the year. Apparently this site is now a Buzzfeed spinoff where it’s just listicles organized by someone who is passionate but doesn’t utilize science to make good assessments? I’m not mad about it.

Recently the prophet asked us to #givethanks on our social media pages. I like to use social media as a window into the lives of others, but I seldom offer my own life up to the internet spectators. I politely abstained from the prophet’s request.

And while I did spend time compiling some lists of varying topics earlier this year, most of which involved gratitude, I’m here to #givethanks in a humble bid for repentance.

1. Arizona

Gosh, this state. Summer was brutal, and lasted through most of October this year. Damn you, global warming! But the fall wind finally came and carried the desert heat away. I've recently taken to long walks along the canal near my house (nearly 5 miles, most times!), and I hiked a new trail last weekend I enjoyed. Can't claim either of those things in many places right now, given their rain or snow.

*insert heart eyes emoji*

2. Books

I've read more books this year than I have since I was a child. This is basically doubling down on the "learn something" element of my last post, but I've been super grateful that many books over the last couple of years have expanded my vision of the world, changed how I think about my relationships, and helped me find a greater sense of purpose and meaning.

3. Professional Growth

There have been weeks this semester that I've felt terrible at what I do. But I recently attended a conference and felt like I was moving in the right direction after listening to and collaborating with people in my line of work that I really respect. Yesterday a student brought me a thank you card for the help I provided this semester, and it made my heart sing. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and I am seeing the progress I'm making.

4. Inspired Connections

A long time ago, I heard that the mother of an acquaintance was going through cancer. I debated (we really weren't particularly close), but finally sent a message offering support to him in whatever way might be most helpful. Fast forward a few years and a few more serendipitous text exchanges and we've become good friends. His mom is healthy and well, and she helped me use my mother's recipe to make rolls for Thanksgiving last week. I'm grateful for both this friend and his mom, and that there were inspired moments of connection at different times on all sides that led to such positive experiences all around.

5. Honesty

This one is not something I'm great at yet, but I'm trying to learn it through the example of others. I admire and appreciate people who are honest with themselves and don't feel shame in sharing their truths with others. Bearing our souls feels like such a risky proposition, but it's never been the wrong choice for me, and I appreciate being buoyed up by the truths of others. I'm also incredibly grateful to be pursuing therapy and to have found a practitioner that empowers me to be honest.

6. The Fam

We aren't perfect. Not even close. But I feel loved and supported by the members of my family, and I'm incredibly happy that amidst struggle, periodic disagreements, and different approaches to basically everything, we've found a rhythm that works for us.

Playing games in the hotel on our most recent
sibling trip. It was excellent.

7. Jesus Christ

I mean, did you even do one of these lists if you don't mention this guy? In all seriousness, He is the glue that holds me together, the source of light and goodness, and the bright beacon of hope that reminds me that the effort to live a righteous life is worth it. The words of I Stand All Amazed do greater justice to how I feel than I could ever express:

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!