The Grateful Thread

For many years after I came out to my (conservative Christian) parents, they saw me as a sinner doomed to a life of hopelessness and alienation. They didn't recognize the peace and happiness that coming to terms with who I was and living openly and honestly brought me because they had been told by their spiritual leaders that being gay was immoral and equated to general misfortune, obligatory promiscuity, and endless suffering (in life and death).

I used to really dislike this time of year. The holidays, at least in part, are meant to bring us together, but for many years my sexuality was the focus of holiday events, during which family members worked tirelessly to prove that their fear and frustration was warranted (even required to 'save my soul'). They'd convinced themselves that their lack of understanding was somehow compassionate and that their truths were universal.

Things change. People change. Even the most hardheaded or stubborn people are capable of seeing things from other angles if you continue to share your own truths, extend your love, and give them time to adjust to new ways of thinking. I know this because last year my entire family attended my wedding. It was a beautiful day that helped heal some of the pain that I and other family members had been feeling for a long time.

I am grateful for the fact that all of us have the ability to change our minds and transform our perspectives. I am also grateful that I live in a place where it's not a criminal act for people to love who they want and be who they are. The world is steadily becoming more open-minded and accepting - not only of LGBT individuals like myself, but also of those who are in some way different from the established 'norm'.

My 21 year old cousin came out recently and it wasn't a big deal. Everyone in the family was very supportive and as far as I know it hasn't been an issue at all. It might be an understatement to say that this was a welcome change. I was happy to have been able to help pave the way for him to grow into himself without feeling the shame, self-hatred, and depression that I did.

Often it just takes a single one of us to change the minds of many. I am grateful that so many of us in this community understand this truth.

I'm grateful for storms that blow away the cobwebs so we see clearly

Today I am grateful for yoga... it helps me find the peace I cannot find elsewhere.

Just wanted to say, I love you guys - and I'm here if any of you need someone.

I'm grateful for hot showers.

I'm also grateful for that one employee who picked up my shifts at the desk so I could stay home sick.

I'm grateful for my co-workers who have great senses of humor and made me laugh for a good hour or so.

I'm grateful for big surprises like the one you guys gave me yesterday (Master rank) ...

I'm so grateful for the Temple : for the friendships that have come about over the last three years ...
- for the friends and associates of the Clergy and the Council ;
- for the interesting and informative exchanges with the Members, wherever they are on their 'paths' ;
- for all the Knights ;
- for especially for my Apprentices (as well as for many who aren't mine, but still ...)


Living as a Jedi off-line takes a much more careful balancing act on the razor's edge than what one can write in a few lines of text written at a distance. Nevertheless, the Temple and its company - though not firmly solid of stone and bone and blood - is as wonderful a fortress sanctuary as any that have ever been. And although it stands on electronics and the Light that drives it, it is quite as firm and solid as well.

Thank you, to and for each and all of you !

I'm grateful for leftovers from company dinners plus all the food that they bought for us during training that needs to be eaten soon.

i'm grateful to be alive. i'm grateful to have made it this far, and grateful for the possibility that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow morning and there will be another opportunity to be a better person than i was the previous day.

and hopefully, i'll be grateful to get some Luck on the 13th. i am thankful for the confidence that i have that i will live to see the sun rise on the 13th and may The Force grant me the Luck i'd like to have.

My space heater in my room is like a best friend. The room isn't very big so it heats up nice and toasty in just a couple minutes and stays that way with the door shut. Thank you, Mr Spaceheater! :side: