Back in my old Limping in the Light days, I had a series of posts named “Thanx#<insert installment number here>”. The series lasted 5 years. The first entry, Thanx#1, explained the motivation and meaning behind the series. The final entry was posted 7 years ago this Friday. Like this one, that was the day before Thanksgiving, appropriately enough.

Each post consisted of a list of people, events, objects, and concepts for which I was grateful at the time. For those that remain extant, I’m probably still grateful. For those that have passed the way of all flesh, I’m grateful for the memories. In the first few posts, I listed at least 10 things I was thankful for. After that, I had 20 or more items in my lists. Estimating, that makes for well over 300 objects of gratitude. (I confess there were repeats in there. My wife, children, and grandchildren deserved and received multiple mentions.)

I’d barely scratched the surface.

I won’t necessarily repeat the series, but there is always room for gratitude, especially in this season. Science is finally catching on to what the Bible has been telling us for eons, gratitude is a path to peace and joy and away from anxiety and depression. For those of us with MS, it can be a more difficult exercise, but it is also more important. It’s therapy.

Here’s a new list for this year, in no particular order… except the first two:

1. Jesus. (A given.)
2. My wife, children, and grandchildren. (You had to know that was coming.)
3. 30,000 miles of cycling.
4. My bikes.
5. Two new books this year, this and this.
6. Five repaired doors.
7. King’s Cribbage.
8. The Vineyard Square Wheelers.
9. Biking NYC.
10. Bark Thins.
11. Healing and successful surgeries.
12. MSSG, or whatever we’re calling ourselves these days.
13. Cafe 12 and the Java Room.
14. The late Paul Farmer and his legacy at PIH.
15. Reunions.
16. Baby laughter.
17. The lives and work of Frederick Buechner and Fran McKendree; I miss them so.
18. Freshly baked bread.
19. Generous friends and family.
20. Eggroll Cafe.
21. Martha’s Vineyard.
22. “Who Is MS?”
23. Acadia National Park.
24. Crossing guards.
25. You… for reading.

Look, I could go on and on (…and on (…and on and…)) but you get the idea. This Thanksgiving, for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, I suggest you make a list for yourself. If you can’t quickly come up with at least 20, you’re not trying hard enough!