One of many reasons I appreciate Judeo-Christian epistemology is its depth, paradox, irony, and surprise. This is not to knock other worldviews, just to extol the virtues of the one I’ve grown up in.
Something as simple as a “thank you” is more than just polite behavior; Thanksgiving is not only a holiday but a form of prayer. Giving is receiving, and if you go so far as to give your life away, you’ll save it! And of course, none of this would matter if there wasn’t the ultimate surprise of all, a man who’d been tortured to death walking out of his tomb nearly into the arms of a woman! None of this is news to many, but serves as background for my “Three Things I’m Grateful For” this Thanksgiving.
Softball. This is not about girls trying to play a boy’s game, or about girls striving to be more like boys. Rather, softball is a playbook for any aspiring radical feminist: don’t play their game, make your own! Similarities are deceiving. While both baseball and softball have the same number of players, positions, and basic rules, in softball they’re shamelessly underhanded and have bigger balls! In truth, it started out not as a derivative of baseball, but its own game, the first one played on Thanksgiving Day in 1887. It’s also a game you can play both in and outdoors, and one of the most popular sports in the country with players of all ages. It’s inclusive and a lot of fun. What’s not to love about that?
Cats. These furry creatures of patience, intelligence, and sensitivity are the man’s subtle best friend. Where a dog will jump into your lap and lick your face, a cat…well, a cat will do that too! Their personalities are as distinct as their coats. I’m partial to tortoiseshells which are basically sassy queens. Any good leader should take note of cat behavior; a cat only does what they want. Forcing them will only get you scratched or bitten. Cats likewise have an ability to pick up energies we are only vaguely aware of. Feeling sad or lonely, a cat will find you. When you’re tired and need a nap, you’ll soon have a companion. And that purr! While some cats purr at the drop of a hat, others are more reserved in their displays. Forget the sound machine and doom scrolling, just cuddle up with a cat!
Brassicas. I can’t think of a vegetable more versatile and widely loved. Cabbage is a staple all over the place, from sauerkraut to curtido, coleslaw to soup. Radishes are a must for a winter seasonal sandwich consumed by Salvadoreans, and arugula’s smoking tang is a great addition to salads. Bok choi chopped and sauteed is a great start to any dish, and kale, well, kale is kale! Collard greens are a soul food staple, and the mustard seed has achieved Biblical status as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God. Which leads me to another surprise. Brassicas are also known as “cruciferous” or “cross-bearing.” Let’s all be brassicas!