An Optimist's Thanksgiving

I have lots to be thankful for on the first Thanksgiving Day of the 21st Century. I’m especially thankful that I'm an optimist.

I’m thankful for several pairs of black shoes strewn around the family room. It means that my children attended church.

I’m thankful for a sinkful of dirty dishes. It means that all of us left the table with full stomachs.

I’m thankful that a new bill will be making its way to our mailbox each month. It means that our new gas furnace is doing its job.

I’m thankful for our only car . . . a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. It means that we don’t have a car payment.

I’m thankful for the piles of leaves in my yard. It means we had shade all summer long.

I’m thankful that when I get tired of hearing politicians whine, I can put the newspaper in the bottom of the cat’s litter box and turn off the television.

I’m thankful for piles of laundry in the laundry room. It means my washer and dryer are working well and that I don’t have to make trips to the laundromat.

I’m thankful my mom and dad had surgery on their eyes this year. It means that at ages 90 and 86, they are healthy and can still see.

I’m thankful for friends and family who look, act and think differently than I do. It means the world is an endlessly fascinating place to live.

I’m thankful for a Heavenly Father who gave ten commandments instead of ten suggestions. It means there’s no question about what to do to be happy.