Picture John Wayne and Sophia Loren dragging themselves across the Sahara, dying of thirst. Finally, they reach the remains of an oasis, and with their last ounce smidgen of energy, John starts digging … with a shovel, while Sophia does what she can with her BARE hands!

Well, that’s how I feel right now. I’m nearing the end of NaBloPoMo, and this morning I’m DIGGING for an idea. And like Sophia, I only have my BARE hands. It’s NOT that I don’t have ANY ideas, but the ONE I have I want to save for the LAST day of NaBloPoMo.

I also want to keep to my theme of giving thanks. While I have TONZ o’ STUFF to be thankful for, not all of my blessings are interesting to blog about. Some would sound sappy while others might sound sanctimonious.

I’m NOT a frequent visitor of Seriously So Blessed, but I have to admit that much of Tamn’s satirical/sanctimonious blabbering hits close to the dominant culture here in Utah. I also have a hard time reading about icky behaviors that are so right on. It’s embarrassing to know someone – a lot of someones – inspire SSB’s writing.

When it comes to expressing gratitude, I sometimes shutter when I listen to a well-meaning testifier thank the Lord for saving the day, and then adds that this came as a result of  great faith. In the meantime, another mother or father, sister or brother sitting in the congregation is thinking of their day that was NOT saved; and perhaps they question their own faith or worthiness and are further perplexed by the Lord’s will.

I know I’ve been guilty of such insensitivity. In fact, I could dedicate more than one blog to my MANY incidents of foot-in-mouth disease. (Forgive the cliche’.) So how do we express our thanks without sounding privileged? I think acknowledging that many of the blessings we receive are UNdeserved is a start. Realizing that bad things happen to good people – even those with great faith – is another.

I don’t know all the answers, but I do wonder why I am so fortunate to be born in this land, surrounded by loved ones and friends who enrich my life beyond deserving. Such blessings do inspire me to try harder to be more understanding, sympathetic, empathetic, non-judgmental, loving …

I better stop here. I’m on the verge of sappiness!