I am thankful for books.

Storybooks

Historical fiction

Poetry

Memoirs

Biographies

Science fiction fantasy

And more.

Books that open a world far from home,

Away from the ordinary, the hum-drum, the everyday in life.

Books that challenge a world view –

offer a different perspective on what is “normal” or “right.”

Books that explain a worldview or how part of the world works.

Describing the “facts of life” and a growing, changing body.

A reference for flowers, birds or trees.

Recipes for cookies, cakes, spaghetti sauce and sweet-and-sour pork.

Thankful for the people who, by example, taught me to love books.

Mom – always with book nearby.

Dad – who read “Green Eggs and Ham” to his Algebra II students every year before Xmas break.

John – who continues to hand me books that I might find interesting.

Thankful for places where books were found:

Home, to be sure.

As a child, the Lincoln and Longfellow school libraries,

the Baker Public Library;

the Rural Eastern Montana Book Mobile.

University of Montana library – a quiet place, conducive to hours of studying, using books, of course!

Though not nearly as nice, the Luhr Library at Eden Theological Seminary.

These days, it’s more likely to be bookstores.

With a stop in the Children’s section (is there a new Graeme Base?)

A browse through Christian inspiration (have I missed an Anne Lamotte or a Kathleen Norris?)

A peak at the Quilting magazines (any intriguing patterns or good tips?).

Time in the bargain bins and discount aisles.

So many books.

Not enough time.

Teressa L. Clark, November 21, 2012, Community Thanksgiving Worship Service, Hosted by Muscatine Ministerial Association, Pastors were asked to share “Three things I am thankful for” in two or three minutes.