Gratitude required a bit of work today.  I have so much, yet I felt blue.  For one thing, tragedy struck a local family.  Another child, a seven year-old, with brain cancer.  It doesn’t seem right for me to count how blessed I am, when his family is feeling so Job-like.  An the killings in California make me cry out in anger and in sorrow; not to mention some of the uncharitable responses.  On top of that, I’m feeling blue because I couldn’t be in two places at the same time.  And don’t even get me started on the Christmas rush. [tweetthis]Christmas should be a pleasure, not a chore.[/tweetthis] That should make me feel lucky. Next I’m mad at myself for being so self-involved and selfish, when other people are facing real problems.

Okay, so here’s my list petty mixed with important:

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Texture app: I’m on a trial with my iPad.  Yes, all the magazine reading I want on five devices.  Yeah!

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  An interview with Clayton Smith.  Okay after the holidays.  Still, I’m excited.  He’s the author of the top five, maybe the top favorite book for 2015, Anomaly Flats.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  A calendar crowded with holiday celebrations.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  In December I get to write about charitable giving.  Last week it was the Coat-A-Kid Drive.  The county I live in is so giving it gives me goosebumps.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  The Mulliganeers:  A grass-roots organization that helps families faced with dire situations who’ve fallen through the cracks.   Losing a job, facing the challenges of Rhett’s syndrome for their little girl, the future felt like they carried the weight of Atlas on their shoulders. The Mulliganeeers helped pay rent, short-term loans, and utilities.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  A new flute player. It’s a simple thing, but I’m so tickled to be playing as part of a trio with little Ellie. She’s a first year flute player. “I was at a concert and said, ‘what’s that sound’ to my mom. She told me it was a flute, and right there, I knew that’s what I wanted to play.” That just filled me with joy.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  A call from my sister, Julie.  She’s such a gem.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Monday’s with Mom. She makes me laugh. She makes me think. And sometimes she makes me cry. Every day with her is a blessing.

What’s on your gratitude list this week.  Please join Laurel at Alphabet Salad and see what’s on a whole bunch of lists.