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Ten Things of Thankful: An Escape from the World

I'm as upset as the next person regarding the current state of affairs. The world is in need of followers of the Golden Rule.  I cling to (a probably delusional) hope that another presidential candidate will emerge, because I really don't know who I can support this fall.  But despite the turmoil outside, there is peace and love inside my house. I have things--both big and small--for which I am thankful. This weekly post is an exercise in finding peace in a turbulent world.


1. I'm thankful that the class schedule for BYU's Education Week has been posted.  I've been poring over the classes and instructors and trying to decide what I want to learn about this year. 

2. I'm thankful for instructional videos.  Even though I had the written directions, I couldn't quite seem to get something to work properly.  One little statement on an instructional video gave me the "A-ha!"moment I needed.

3.  I'm thankful for laughter.  John and I recently discovered a TV show called The Cabonaro Effect.  Picture a magic show meets Candid Camera.  We've had some good laughs.





4.  I'm thankful for a clean house.  My walk-in closet is no longer an oxymoron, and other areas of the house are joining the organization movement.  Donations are dropped off, and even though it's July, spring cleaning is in full-force.

5. I'm thankful for greenery.  Some plants did die in the drought, but others pulled through with some more regular watering, and I love to see the little green leaves.

6. I'm thankful for baby bunnies.  We aren't exactly overrun with rabbits, but there isn't a shortage, either.  Luckily, they are cute, and our vegetable garden area is fenced, so I haven't caught Peter Cottontail, or any of his friends and family, doing damage.  

7.  I'm thankful for the Sabbath day.  "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath." (Mark 2:27)  How nice that one day a week, we are commanded to take a break.  Yes, Sundays are still busy with church meetings, but I can put aside much of my to-do list.  Getting the oil changed in the car, picking up groceries, tacking the laundry--those things can wait.  Today I get to attend church and spend time with my family.  

8.  I'm thankful for my parents.  They are finally getting to take a cruise to Alaska, something my dad has wanted to do for a very long time.  I'm glad that they are having fun, and I'm thankful for the technology that allows them to share their photos!

9.  I'm thankful for the temple.  John and I attended on Friday night.  It is amazing to me how much insight can be gained each time.  I shouldn't be amazed, because it is much like scripture study; no matter how many times I have studied a particular passage, there is always something more to be learned.  

10.  I'm thankful for John.  When I suddenly jump in with both feet on some crazy cleaning spree, he's there to help (both with the cleaning and with the assurance that it's OK to leave some work undone for a day or two.)  He complements and compliments me. There's no one with whom I would rather go through this strange world.  :-)

What have you found to be thankful for this week?  Things are there--we just have to notice them!

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Comments

  1. Let there be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me (us). I love the way you said there is peace and love inside your house. I, too, have that maybe naive hope that there will be a better choice for President. Spring cleaning, no matter what season, cleaning out clutter feels freeing in some way. Because of your faith, your perspective on life is always hopeful and happy. Hope your parents enjoy the Alaska trip. I've never been but my friend is leaving this Friday for the cruise.

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    1. You are right; my faith does give me a generally optimistic attitude. Granted, there is evil in the world, but I hold out hope that good will triumph in the end.
      I hope your friend has a great time on the cruise!

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  2. It's such a good feeling to get those nagging chores DONE and dusted! Glad you've got some green leaves around, and baby bunnies to enjoy :)

    I hope you enjoyed your day of rest, and I *really* hope that somehow, magically, a better presidential candidate pops up soon.

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    Replies
    1. I've never been so conflicted about an election as I am this year. I'm a firm believer in voting, but "none of the above" isn't listed on the ballot!

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  3. "My walk-in closet is no longer an oxymoron" what a great line!
    we have rabbits this year (the population varies from year to year). not the brightest animals, we always go out before Una and make a lot of noise on the deck, since the time in the spring when there was a small rabbit sitting, on the lawn, directly in front of said deck.... (it was faster than Una), but still!

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    Replies
    1. Years ago, John was walking our dog (at the time, not Drexel) and spotted a rabbit. John told the dog, "Go get it!" never imagining that she would actually succeed! John felt so bad, and never gave that encouragement again.

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  4. A cruise to Alaska! How I would love to go! I showed my kids photos of glaciers today before we went to the glacier exhibit at the National Building Museum (nice, but not great). One photo had "a big boat!" as Leo said, and I was reminded how cool it would be to cruise in that area. Yay for your parents!
    And yay for John jumping in with the cleaning spree, and yay, as always, for a wonderful, supportive community such as your congregation.

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    1. How nice that you have so many museums in your area. I'm looking forward to hearing all about my parents' cruise when they return.
      John and our ward are great supports to me.

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  5. I would so like to be able to be grateful for a clean house. Don't think that's going to happen any time soon. ;)

    It is wonderful to see our parents doing things they've always wanted to do. The fact that they are healthy enough and well enough to enjoy some adventure makes me so happy. In just three years, my mom has gone on a cruise to Alaska, a cruise to the Bahamas, a tour back to her home area of Nova Scotia and the surrounding areas, and come January, she'll be headed to Africa! I am so happy for her, as I know you are thrilled for your parents.
    Can't wait to see what you choose for Education week this year! It's hard to believe, but I've enjoyed hearing about your classes for many years now! :)

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    Replies
    1. By the time I read your comment, I thought, "Clean house? What clean house?" The closet is still in good shape, and the house has less stuff in it, but I look around and see floors that need to be vacuumed, and places that need to be dusted. . . Perhaps I should have said, "I'm thankful for a house that seems to momentarily be fighting entropy." It's hard to fight physics 24/7! :-)

      Oh, good for your mom! What an adventurer! I see where you got your hit-the-road spirit.

      I wonder if I attend the "Physics is Fun!" class that I will get house-cleaning tips?

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  6. Aw, baby rabbits. My grandpa used to sing us the Peter Cottontail song. Thanks for reminding me of that memory.
    Greenery and laughter are wonderful things too. Both give me hope for growth.

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  7. This week I am really thankful for time with old friends. I've loved spend time with Mo and the girls. Thursday at the beach was amazing! I am thankful that I live in southern California and only 7 miles from that beach.

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