Thankfulness Roundup: When Bell's Jokes Fail

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

I am thankful for: 

• Failed jokes.  One of the small (sometimes slightly hysterical) pleasures of Bell's is being able to crack jokes, like: "I can sleep with one eye open....no, really.  I can."  Alas--that joke doesn't work anymore! No only am I blinking again, but my smile is probably....70% back? That is entirely unexpected, and not something I take for granted.  It's ruined my other joke, about my face matching my "slightly askew" wine glass. It's now less askew--a phrase that a friend says sounds like the name of a private detective.  "Less Askew," Private Eye.  

• The power of prayer.  I am smiling and winking and sleeping and functioning at far greater capacity than I imagined even a week ago, as I literally spent the day on the couch because I could do nothing else. That is only due to the prayer warriors who keep on praying, and a God who chose to answer "yes." 
• A wonderful visit with my parents, and for my parents.  They sacrificed greatly to get here, and then shopped, cleaned, and cooked for us. They spoiled their two tired "kids" rotten....even though they were tired themselves.  Thank you, mom and dad! 
• That my health misadventures came right before the holidays. I'm not thrilled to have dropped 12+ pounds in two weeks, but if it had to be so....during the holidays is ideal.   Pumpkin Pie? Yes, Please! An extra serving of ham? Why not?  Spiced nuts?  Well, of course! Some questions should not even be asked.  
• Sleep! This is the final piece in getting my health back. It's been elusive.  But twice over Thanksgiving Break I slept for more than 10 hours.  I don't think I've slept like that ever.  
• Trees against blue skies.  They are lovely, especially in the autumn.  And in the spring.  And the summer.  And the winter.