Twice Thankful

“In everything give thanks….” 1 Thessalonians 5:18a

Seems appropriate for this week.

What makes this verse doable is the word “in”.  Notice it’s not “for”.

I am not thankful for the pneumonia that’s made my life hell for the last ten days, but I’m very thankful in the feeling better.  I’ve been thankful in my misery for a good doctor, modern chemistry, a compassionate boss and good health insurance.  Misery can make you mindful and mindful can make you thankful.

I am not thankful for moving to a new work cubby on my first day back from the edge of death.  I’ve  worked hard for 3.5 years in Area 10 and it took me all day to downsize and off load to Area 11. But I give thanks in my angst for the efficiency engineers who reshuffled the deck and, by default, forced me to weed out my files, dig through my drawers and reorganize my workspace.  Note to self, “save” more, “print” less.

And then there was the “just in case drawer.” Disturbing: nine packets of sweet ‘n sour sauce, two fortune cookies, a ziplock bag of unlit birthday candles, one set of jewelers tools, an eyeglass kit, Band-Aids, Neosporin, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, nail clippers, a mending kit (minus the needle), breath mints, three On-The-Go iced tea packets, a Planter’s peanut snack pack (stale date 9-2008), Rolaids, Tylenol, cellophane gift bag with curly ribbon (gift missing), two marbles, a lint roller, one Dove chocolate heart and keys to something.  Great!  If we’re ever snowed in and lose power on a Friday night, I can survive the week-end in Area 11.  Hoarding makes you mindful and mindful makes you blush.  New note to self, don't save just in case.  Loose your marbles early.

I give thanks I didn’t die of pneumonia and force my co-workers to sort out Area 10.  I shall thankfully endeavor to live green in Area 11.