Thankful Thoughts

Being thankful on Thanksgiving is a bit redundant, isn’t it?

We spend a lot of time considering and counting our blessings on the third Thursday in November.  We proclaim our gratitude for our families, our marriages, our health and prosperity.  We spend a lot of time talking about the “biggies”—the things that everyone is thankful for—the things we have in common.

But what were you thankful for last Wednesday?  How about a week from Friday?  What are your kids truly most thankful for on a daily basis? (Hint: no homework, Xbox 360, Oreo Double-Stufs…etc.)  The truth is, thankfulness is a simpler affair, day-to-day.  It probably isn’t a 24-hour feeling—in fact, it may only last a moment.  It’s a bonus 75-degree day in the middle of November.  It’s a giant chunk of peanut butter in your peanut butter-n-chocolate ice cream.  It’s a really good hair day when you really need it.  We don’t even think about those tiny moments, but it is those moments that make average days just a little bit better than average.  And those moments—those little things—are different for everyone. 

So what, you may ask (I might ask) is Johnny Henry thankful for?  What random little things make his average days better?  Read on…

KK:  Finish this sentence: I’m thankful for never having been…

JH: …locked outside naked.  In the cold.

KK:  What frozen food are you thankful for?

JH:  Pizza rolls.  Pepperoni pizza rolls.

KK:  What smell are you thankful for?

JH:  Cinnamon

KK:  What clothing item?

JH:  Bad-ass cowboy boots

KK:  Which of your 5 senses are you most thankful for?

JH:  My hearing—for all the awesome music that’s made in the world.

KK:  What great moment in sports?

JH:  During the Cardinals 2006 season, my band, Spur, played during all the pre-game rallies for the playoffs, World Series and even the championship parade.  That’s what I’ll always remember about that season.

KK:  What dessert are you thankful for?

JH:  Homemade strawberry-rhubarb pie…mmm…

(Hopefully, tomorrow’s menu includes strawberry-rhubarb!)

Point is, though, it doesn’t have to happen tomorrow.  It would be just as good on a Tuesday in June—maybe better, since strawberries would be in season.  It isn’t difficult to find things and moments that are “worthy” of thanks.  It is sometimes hard to notice them.  So, tonight, Thanksgiving Eve 2010, we ask you…what are some of your small moments?  Maybe your puppy is finally house-trained.  Maybe last year’s skinny jeans still fit.  Maybe you noticed that gorgeous full moon shining through the trees two nights ago and it took your breath away.  Maybe you heard a song you couldn’t get enough of…(if not, please refer to the videos on this page!)  No matter how small it may seem—it’s worthy of thanks if it made your life better for even a minute.  Enjoy.  Be thankful.