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Ten Things of Thankful: Dancing Through Limbo-Land

 

A red sign with white lettering that reads, "YOU ARE HERE" sits in a window in Southampton, England

Last year, John and I traveled--a lot. Sometimes, it took a minute to remember exactly where I was. (The sign above was oh, so helpful!) This year, we haven't made future travel plans. We find ourselves in the stage of life where we see the possibility of generations above and below us needing more of our attention. So, we are dancing our way through limbo-land; being present in the moment while thinking ahead of things that might make the future easier. 

1. I'm thankful we took last year to do so much traveling. It was a bit of a whirlwind. Even though I love seeing new places, I'm also a homebody by nature. I have no regrets about saying "yes" to so many vacations. No matter what the future holds, we made those memories together. 

2. I'm thankful that while a new year can signify a new start, a new moment can, too. So what if I didn't consistently ______________ (blog weekly, exercise, etc.) I don't have to wait until January 1st of next year to work on the habits I want to establish.

3. I'm thankful that I can sometimes see the good side to plans not working out. The grandchildren's Christmas break visit didn't happen after all, but that freed me up to go up to Oregon unexpectedly to help my parents. 

4. I'm thankful for doctors who, unlike "all the king's horses and all the king's men," COULD put "Humpty Dumpty" back together again after a New Year's Eve fall. Mom's broken leg is on the mend. 

5. I'm thankful for parents and in-laws. So many of my neighbors have lost parents recently. While I know the aging process isn't always the easiest, smoothest, or most comfortable, I'm so glad that John and I still have our parents around. 

6. I'm thankful for siblings--both mine and John's--and their spouses. Each is doing what they can to help parents. 

7. I'm thankful that even when circumstances aren't ideal, we can find things to laugh about. I love the quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley: “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” 

8. I'm thankful for peace. Even though life is pretty crazy sometimes, and I feel bad for the difficult situations that some family members are in, I also have a sense of inner peace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. I can't personally fix everything, but I can do what I can to help, and have confidence in His peace, "which passeth all understanding." (Philippians 4:7) 

9. I'm thankful for little things, like taking a walk or drive, reading a book, listening to music, or attending a movie or sporting event, that are enjoyable diversions.

10. I'm thankful for John. We may not know the details that the future holds, but we're in it together, whatever it is, and wherever it is. We are here. 

What are you thankful for this week? Big or small, heavy or light, let us know! Leave a comment and feel free to join in with your own list!





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Comments

  1. messymimiJanuary 11, 2026 at 7:29 PM

    I'm so glad your mother is on the mend. Your family is in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CaiJanuary 11, 2026 at 7:38 PM

    It is nice to read your post again. Sometimes, everything happens almost all at once. Then time passes and we realize all can be calm again. I wish you a peaceful week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  3. clarkJanuary 11, 2026 at 7:48 PM

    Good to hear that Pat (your mother*) is on the mend. Tell her we miss her at the Six Sentence Story and anytime she is in the mood, we'll totally be happy to see/read her.
    And, of course, thank you for being a Host here (since the beginning) continuity is good.

    * one of the earliest examples of how online friendships are no different than traditional real world friendships (such were the Great Questions that occupied us back than, it seems) came down to being able to say, "...and remember the time when..."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiJanuary 12, 2026 at 3:55 PM

      I'll pass along your comments. It is amazing just how much time has passed since the start of the TToT! So many bloggers have participated through the years, and those "remember whens" are nice reflections.

      Delete
  4. Frewin55January 12, 2026 at 4:30 AM

    That is a very nice list of gratitudes - great to make your acquaintance...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lisa TomeyJanuary 12, 2026 at 5:21 AM

    I'm thankful for traveling stories and for Pat's progress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiJanuary 12, 2026 at 3:58 PM

      Thank you. I'll pass along your well-wishes. (As for traveling, I thank you for your recommendations on where to eat in Nauvoo!)

      Delete

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