Here are seven everyday things I’m thinking about this Thanksgiving.

1. Color—Reading The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair this year made me appreciate color.  Until recently, the colors I take for granted in clothes and printed materials were not easy or cheap—sometimes even impossible—to manufacture.  The discovery of new materials and manufacturing methods has opened a vibrant world that I too often underappreciate.  I am thankful for the access I have to use, create, share, wear, and enjoy colors so freely and abundantly.
2. Electricity—When the power goes out during a storm or for no apparent reason, I try to focus not on my frustration but on the blessing that electricity is and the fact that I shouldn’t take it for granted when I have it.  Earlier this year, I ran across news coverage of the blackouts Puerto Rico has been facing ever since Hurricane Maria hit in 2017.  While I’ll admit electricity can in some ways be a luxury that we could get by without if we had to, reading about the struggle these blackouts have caused for the preservation of perishable food and medicines reminded me how critical electricity can be, especially for those who have little.  I am thankful for the affordable, consistent supply of electricity I have access to every day and the fact that I can refrigerate or freeze food and medicine when I need to.
3. Water—Another utility crisis that made me stop and think this year was the Jackson, MS, water disaster.  Like electricity, a reliable supply of clean water is something I rarely acknowledge as a blessing, especially when it not infrequently emerges from the faucet smelly or discolored.  But this regular supply of water is a blessing, and I am thankful for plenty of it and being able to afford and drink it.
4. Gas—I tend to focus on the negatives when I’m pumping gas: rising prices, a slow pump, frequency of trips to the gas station, the sun in my eyes, rain, cold…the list goes on.  When I find myself falling into this rut, I instead strive to focus on being grateful that I can afford gas and have access to it.  Earlier this year, people in Sri Lanka waited for hours or days to get gas for their vehicles.  My small complaints are nothing to this, and I am thankful that I can purchase fuel whenever I need it.
5. My vacuum cleaner—I know it sounds silly, but this is actually one of the things I’m most consistently grateful for.  Clean floors are important to me, and so is a good vacuum.  As my family and friends can attest, I am passionate about how good mine is.  I can effortlessly switch between carpet and hard floor settings, release the hose or lift-away to vacuum my couch, baseboards, or drawers, and empty the tank with ease.  In case you’re looking for a vacuum right now, mine is the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum – NV586.
6. Health—I’m currently dodging the flu and grateful for however long I stay healthy, especially as many people I know and work with are falling to various cold weather illnesses.  Like most of the other items on this list, good health is something I take for granted until I don’t have it.  I am thankful for my current healthy state (and hope it continues!).
7. Bible—No matter where I am, there is almost always a Bible within a few steps of me, whether it’s in my car or on a shelf or table.  I face no persecution for owning one; I have multiple copies even.  And yet, I don’t value or enjoy it like I should.  Reading stories from history and the present day about those who risk prison or death for possessing a Bible and who treasure it in their hearts reminds me what a treasure it is.  May I value it more.  I am thankful I can easily and safely access Scripture.

In all life’s mundane and extraordinary circumstances, may I more faithfully follow Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonian church: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).  Happy Thanksgiving!