Carpenters Corner: All in a day

What are you thankful for? Well, I am thankful for cooler fall weather and every beautiful sunrise that accompanies this most precious of seasons. I am thankful for the cold wind that blows me into my closet com­pelling me to put on one of my favorite fuzzy, plaid sweaters. These woven delights have been hanging in mothballs, hibernat­ing all spring and summer and are most grateful to awake from their slumber. I am thankful for shorter days and a warm house to retreat to when the outside world begins to bully me and take pot shots in my direction.

I am thankful for my fam­ily, friends and even strangers who cross my path from time to time. I am thankful for a warm, glowing fire in my wood stove and a cup of hot coffee. My li­brary of good books to read and being able to remember I left my glasses on the bathroom counter is a comfort to me. The honor and privilege to be able to write this column, an editor to correct my spelling and gram­mar and a publisher who allows me to submit my thoughts to all of you warms my heart.

I am thankful for the abun­dance of nature that surrounds me in the Cleveland National Forest. The two hawks that trace endless circles high above my home and occasionally greet me with their familiar screech are my welcome friends. I am delighted by the peregrine fal­con that swoops through my front yard so fast, with the skill of a fighter pilot, as he navi­gates through the tunnel of the climbing rose arbor.

I am amazed at the way the warm sunlight flows through my window like golden, sweet honey and sticks to all my senses. A simple bowl of oat meal tantalizes my taste buds complete with maple syrup and dates. A hot cup of black coffee picks me up lifting my aware­ness to higher levels as I search for something comfortable to wear for the day.

Leaving my refuge I am hap­py to reach the winding mile and a half long dirt road that leads me away from my home like a swiftly receding ocean tide. Then upon my return the ebb and flow of familiar scenery reminds me I am getting closer to home and all the goodness that awaits me there. As I bump along the dirt road I remember all my neighbors who work so hard to keep it in such drivable condition. I make a quick stop to collect a large bundle of mail and I am reminded of a hard working mailman; even if he oc­casionally gives my mail to all my neighbors.

Arriving safe at home I col­lect my things and head inside. At once I am greeted by my three loyal dogs, three cats, one of which is convinced he is the fourth dog of the pack. Even the fish in my aquarium who follow my finger trailing across the glass are a blessing to watch as they survey their surround­ings for food falling like manna from above. I am thankful for my home with all its familiar smells especially the ones that pour out in savory waves from the kitchen.

I am thankful to my Creator who supplies all of my needs and blesses me with a loving wife who is my faithful compan­ion. As I walk into the kitchen I am delighted by the smell of garlic, beet root soup and rotis­serie chicken as her hands tend to the preparation of all these ingredients.

My kids have all grown up leaving our nest empty and a void in my life but this too is something to be thankful for as they make their own way in the goodness of this great earth. I am both haunted and comforted by the collages of their pictures that hang in the hallway. I am thankful that we were able to spend so much time with them growing up. All this leads me to breathe a deep sigh of content­ment and collapse in my favorite chair.

While relaxing there I reflect on God’s goodness, these won­derful gifts then retreat to a warm bed at the end of a long day. As I pull up clean sheets and a down filled comforter I am bathed in warmth and lulled to sleep. The nights when I can sleep through the night and wake up rested and ready to meet new challenges are both rare and refreshing.

I am thankful for this won­derful life and at end of day re­member “For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,”