It’s Mary Moment Monday, but instead of having this post all figured out, and instead of posting what I planned to post (which included a great givewaway), I’m here with nuttin.

Yep, nuttin.

There’s something to be said for flexibility. I’m not very good at going with the flow, and it doesn’t often take much to throw me off. As a person who had to have her husband tell her, a few years into wedded bliss, that planning to be unplanned might take the edge off life, I look with confusion (and a bit of longing) at the people who roll with the punches life throws at them.

I’ve been thinking of how easy it is to support someone from afar, and how very messy it is to be there in real life, in real time, in the present moment. I’ve been reflecting on empty platitudes and wondering what good words are — though, as a very words-centered person, I’m not sure I’ll get to any conclusions.

And all that thinking brings me around to a theme of gratitude.

Despite the fact that this post is not what I intended, I thought I’d encourage you in your Monday journey. Whether this day has been a bang-up All Saints Day Feast or a different day altogether than what you expected, why not take a moment to say “Thanks” to the Big Guy who made it all possible and think of a few things to hold in your heart?

  • I’m thankful for tights, especially when they’re on little girls who have just discovered them and whose delight in the fact that they are “just like Alice [in Wonderland]!” is contagious.
  • I’m thankful for unplanned Sundays that include a trip to a favorite bookstore with some of my favorite people.
  • I’m thankful for the warmth my husband brings to my life — by spending entire days in the woods, by building fires, by working long hours, by being faithful and loving and inspiring.
  • I’m thankful for final drafts and contracts and piles of paper.
  • I’m thankful for frost that forces wasps to die.
  • I’m thankful for outside pets.
  • I’m thankful for the text message that reminds me, every day, that I’m loved.
  • I’m thankful for full baskets of clean baby clothes, waiting to be folded and stashed and put on the baby…so very soon.
  • I’m thankful for blue skies and chill air and apple cider and learning to be patient with myself.
  • I’m thankful for the amount of chocolate now available in my house, thanks to the generosity of complete strangers who don’t hesitate to hand it to small children once a year.

What are you thankful for today?