Thanksgiving List 2025

November 30, 2025 0 By Mirm
  1. A place – While I am wishing for a place of my own, I am grateful for a place to belong at my brother’s house with “Plumeria Alley” in the backyard!
  2. A gift given –  I am grateful to have been able to take my kids on a trip to Chicago
  3. A gift received – My WIlliam Morris apron and water bottle
  4. A co-worker – I have had many co-workers over the years and I have several bosses – and I am grateful to have worked with each one. Today I am especially thankful for the boss I have had the longest, who also is my current boss, Scott Belon.
  5. A family member – I love my family – all of them! Today I have to pick one. I am so grateful for my cousin Jennifer Wheeler, who represents the best of our family. She came for my mom’s 90th this year. Her intelligence, humor and thoughtful kindness are inspiring and I count myself blessed to call her mine.
  6. A non-profit – Again I have to pick just one non- profit. I support several so it is hard to choose one for which I am grateful in 2025. I learned about a group this year called Sleep in Heavenly Peace from my friend Dave T, who shared about how they make sure every kid has a bed to sleep in.  Such a small thing that we forget to be thankful for – a place to lay our head. Runners up: Lakelight Institute, Biola, IJM…
  7. A book – I am grateful for the written word.  I am rereading several CS Lewis titles as well as some about Laughter and play. Books that make me think and laugh or tell a story are a gift. What’s so Funny about God and A Theology of Play were delightful and full of insight.
  8. A personality trait – A personality trait I am grateful for is creativity and resilience. Okay, that is 2 but I am also thankful for more so….
  9. A sound. Laughter. So many times this year I have heard laughter. I am grateful for its existence, its health benefits, its purpose and so much more. Laugh often. Laugh with grace. Laugh until it changes you! I cannot imagine life without it – can you?
  10. Something witnessed in nature – Today I am thinking about all the sunsets I have paused to watch in wonder and all the rainbows I have chased this year. Both remind me to hope and both fill me with joy.
  11. A moment- Some of the best moments this year have been reunions – most have been at or near memorials – and they remind me that one day we will be ONLY saying hello forever! But, for now, the reunion with our Reed family last summer was a moment I gratefully cherish. The moments of that extended family and our Waukegan neighborhood is one of the greatest blessings of  the last 30 years.
  12. A public figure – Can a baseball team be a singular public figure? Or an event? The class act of the relievers for both the Blue Jays and the Dodgers in paying respect to Alex Vesia during the 2025 World Series is one of the reasons I love the game. It is so much bigger than a win. I am grateful for privilege of witnessing that.
  13. Something new – When we were in Chicago I discovered Espresso tonics. Love them. But we also found a new coffee place called Dayglow that we love ….I am thankful for the Andy Warhol!
  14. A blessing from spring – I am grateful for Jordan Swigart and witnessing his marriage to Sara in March! Can’t wait for the blessing they have coming in Spring 2026!
  15. A blessing from summer – I have a friend who God knew I would need for all of my life. Every moment I spend with her is life-giving. I was blessed to head to Redding for a week of time with Marji T. this summer. Total boot camp in a good way!
  16. A blessing from fall – Would you believe that anything good could come from Vegas? Most would not know that because what happens there usually stays there.  While I would not necessarily choose to intentionally go to Vegas, the time with friends there this fall was a generous gift for which I am thankful.
  17. An invention – I am grateful for the theft-stopping /find-my-car thing that is in my Subaru. In January of 2025 I needed it to find my car after it was stolen – the police were not helpful. While I lost a lot more than my car – (all its contents including purse,, phone, computer and more), I am grateful that I was able to find my car and get it back. One less thing to replace!
  18. A trait or skill – In May I had the opportunity to pull out my clarinet and play with the Biola Symphonic Winds in the Alumni Pops concert. I am so rusty, but I am grateful for the skill to read and play music. If not for the band at Biola I would not have come to know so many other talented people that have become lifelong friends nor would I have ever crossed paths with a trombonist named Jim!
  19.  An opportunity: The oldest Tattoo parlor (est. 1300 AD) in the world is in Jerusalem and is owned and run by my daughter-in-love’s family. Because of the war, Razzouk Tattoo came to America and in support we got tattoos that represent Jim Mohler.
  20. A song: This is a song that has been around in its current form for over 100 years that we all sing often: Happy Birthday. My mom turned 90 in March and I am so glad I still have her around and got to sing it to her in celebration!
  21. A food – This year my brother started making guacamole and it is to-die-for! He uses Reed avocados when he can and they melt like butter!
  22. A sermon or study – While I have several podcasts and pastors that push me to follow Jesus better, I will mention one here – Lakelight Institute has done that more than once this year.  I am only listing one but 2 others I look forward to each week include Saturday Musings by Wil and Lorraine Triggs and The Friday Update by Mike Woodruff.
  23. Self care – I am grateful for doctors who have helped me this year with my eyes, teeth, skin issues and have taken care of my mom, kids, etc. While it is hard to be thankful for health issues and the expense, I am grateful for those who know what to do.
  24. Something fun – I am thankful for people who have invented games, theme parks, movies and other ways to build memories and relationships.
  25. The stranger – There are many people with whom I have come into contact that I do not know who have made things better this year – and don’t even realize it. Looking at people with kindness and gratitude at airports, stores, restaurants, places I visit changes things and is a good reminder that most people are not out to get me, steal from me, hurt me or hate me. The few who are can attempt to wreck my day or life if I give them the power. It actually only says more about them than it does about me. I am grateful for the increasing ability to let things go and the opportunities to take back my joy. It is not always easy but I am reminded every time that I express my thanks, acknowledge someone with a smile it costs me nothing but can mean everything and make a difference.
  26. A mentor – oh so many people I hould list who have mentored me and provided guidance, support, and advice and helped me grow. I will mention one but I am grateful for so many more. Colleen has met with me nearly every week for the past 8 years and her desire to be a good neighbor even outshines Mr. Rogers! So blessed for the opportunity.
  27. A holiday  – This year I was invited to share the Passover Seder with  some of Jim’s favorite Biola colleagues. It was spectacular and I was thankful to have been included.. At first I didn’t think of it as a holiday I had ever really celebrated because I am not Jewish, but of course every time there is communion or Easter parts of the Passover are celebrated in its fulness.
  28. Something unexpected – Life is full of things not expected or anticipated and some are good and others are hard. This means that there are many pleasant surprises that happened in 2025 and it is difficult to pick just one! Did you know that there is a place you can go and it is a games lounge where you can play games – new and favorites? So fun! So grateful for clever people!
  29. An experience – There really are so many things, people, blessings, events and more for which to be thankful in 2025. Today I had the privilege of helping both my kids. My daughter’s cats needed care while they were out of town and my son is moving this weekend. I am so grateful for every opportunity I have to help them and to watch them “adult”well. I often hope that Jim is able to witness from a window in heaven.
  30. One more thing – I am grateful for the ministry of TIU and while I am sad that it closed, the gratitude for its ongoing legacy.
CategoryGratitude Holidays Thankfulness

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