Gratitude (Dec. 16-22)

1. Proctoring my final exam without incident
2. Starting to pack for our upcoming trip
3. Helping my wife paint more of our kitchen cabinets
4. A great deal on the electronic version of The Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis
5. Out of the Silent Planet, which I finished on Dec. 17
6. Buying my ticket for Star Wars Episode VII
7. A group of colleagues and friends who are going together to Star Wars Episode VII
8. My wife's conversation with a distant but good friend
9. Good discussion about the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke 
10. Learning about a student's research in atmospheric science
11. Learning about a colleague's education in Romania
12. Finishing work early 
13. Participating in the Commencement Ceremony (Dec. 18)
14. Seeing Star Wars Episode VII
15. Birthday brunch
16. Discussion of hope in the Christmas story at The Well
17. Our friend who gave us a ride to the airport (Dec. 21)
18. Safe and punctual flight from Rapid City to Mesa
19. Spacious and comfortable hotel room in Mesa
20. Wine and cheese dinner in our room (Dec. 22)