It’s November, and all my social media accounts are overflowing with gratitude. Some people are listing something they’re grateful for every day of the month, others are posting a list and challenging others to do the same. I’m not nearly organized enough to do a daily list, and I don’t want to tag anyone who doesn’t want to share. But these are among the things I’m grateful for this November: The weather. Yes, even if it’s bad. I’m glad to live in the place where the weather is changeable. I lived in south Florida one summer when I was in college, and I discovered that unless there was a hurricane coming, no one really bothered to listen to the weather report. It was going to be hot and there would be rain in the afternoon. Every day. I’m grateful that a week before we were supposed to get our first snow, I was outside in shirtsleeves getting the flowerbeds ready for winter. The short walk from the parking lot to my office. It’s not long — maybe three blocks or so — but every morning, it provides a brief opportunity to refocus and take in the day before starting work. To be fair, I’m not as grateful for the walk when I’m leaving, usually in a hurry to get to school to pick up Teresa from kindergarten on time. Having reliable transportation to get to work and to get the kids to and from school and activities. This includes public transit, which is often less expensive and more convenient, as well as having working cars. Not having to worry about any of the other necessities of life, like food, shelter and health care. Too often, I complain about the things I have (or what I have to do to get them) instead of appreciating that I have them at all. Information technology. I know, we like to complain about the chains of technology. But if I need to know how to get somewhere I’ve never been before, my phone can tell me. Need to know what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about gambling? There’s a website for that. Information is more widely and easily available than ever. Knowing how to use that information, that’s wisdom. Speaking of what I have to do to get those necessities of life, I’m grateful for my job. I get to spend time talking to people about their faith and other things that matter to them, and they inspire me. Faith. The faith of the people I talk to inspires me and gives me confidence in my own faith. And, of course, my family. My children are the greatest blessings I could imagine, growing into wonderful, engaging, caring people. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this grand adventure than my husband. What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving weekend?