Can I start this post with a little honesty?

I hate Thanksgiving posts.

They’re predictable. They’re never funny. And they’re boring.

I know, I know.

We should be thankful.  I’m glad you are thankful. Truly, I am thankful, too! It’s just that … well … I’m pretty sure I already know that we’re all thankful for our family, for all the pies, mashed potatoes, turkeys, and green bean casseroles that we’ll stuff ourselves with tomorrow, for our house, our car, and that Aunt Betty’s leg is feeling better, even though she fell down the stairs again this week.

I get it.

We all get it.

Who isn’t thankful for all of those things?

I guess what I’m saying is that I’m not a fan of being Captain Obvious.  And in my prayers of thankfulness this year, I don’t want to be predictable.

Or ho-hum.

Or ungrateful sounding, because I can’t think of anything I’m really thankful for.

So keeping that in mind, here is my spiced up list of things I’m grateful for today:

• Music.

Ok, that’s not all that original. But it does bless me so, each day. It helps me be focused on Christ, rather than myself as I go about my household duties. It calms my nerves and makes me want to sing! God bless Pandora!

• New life in the midst of grief.

My mother-in-law died on my birthday back in June. Last Friday, her newest granddaughter, Elsie Raeann, was born. While I’m deeply grieved that Jeanine won’t be joining us to slather that baby with the love she deserves, I’m also deeply grateful that the Lord continues the cycle of life. She’s so very precious. And perfect. Just … absolutely perfect, and in a lot of ways, exactly what our hearts need this holiday season. I know if Jeanine were here, she would say, “Thank you, Jesus!”

• Real relationships.

In a world of social media, blogs, and texting, I am thankful for the real relationships in my life. For my husband, who sticks by me like glue, even when I’m a crabby patty. For my kids who love me, even though I’m no Carol Brady. For friends that help me through the deep waters of spiritual struggles and personal difficulties. I am one blessed lady when it comes to real relationships. And … I’m pretty blessed when it comes to social media relationships, too.

• The sanctification process.

By grace, I have been justified. And now I’m in the sanctification process, where God is slowly molding me into His image. Where would I be without this? I would be hopelessly wandering in my troubles and sufferings with no direction, no purpose. I’m thankful He is faithful to keep chipping away at my shortcomings, convicting me when I need to be convicted, and enabling me with His power to change my ways. I know one day, I’ll be called to the end stage of glorification. I’m thankful for each stage, because each is equally as important. However, I think I look forward to that end stage the most!

• Stories.

Yes … stories. There’s nothing better than luscious plots and dramatic endings. I am and will always be a sucker for well written books, plot filled movies, or a good chat with an older person who knows how to tell it like it used to be. I honestly can’t imagine a world without good storytellers. (I’m currently reading The Help, by Kathryn Stockett – sooo good!)

• Art.

Paintings, pictures drawn by little ones hanging on my refrigerator, a gorgeous sunrise … they’re all delicious.

• The little things.

A baby’s toothless smile, a friend’s hug, any picture perfect moment, the myriad of colors that surround us each day … roses. We should stop and smell them more often, and make an effort to notice the itty bitty things that seem insignificant. I know God is in every one of them, and that He very often whispers His love to us in these little ways, rather than shouting them to us with something grandiose. Like the Toyota truck I’ve been wanting ….

Just sayin’.

And last, but not least …

• The alphabet.

Yep. I’m thankful for all 26 letters. Each day, they’re like a little puzzle for me. I have an opportunity to arrange them in ways that will tell a story or bless the holey (not holy!) socks off of someone. And if you think about it, this is is what God chose to leave us until He comes for us again. All 26 letters, perfectly arranged in the most beautiful love letter ever written.

What’s not to love about that?

How ’bout you? What’s on your thankful list? Tell me in the most colorful way you know how!