Thanksgiving is a little different this year. Though many things have stayed the same, new and hopefully better attitudes prevail this holiday. Here are some of the things I am grateful for:
With mom’s passing at the beginning of the year, I appreciate family more, especially extended family. I have told my father I love him more than any other year.
With my wife’s surgeries late this summer, I hold her closer and tighter. And for her sister’s who came to stay with her in critical times, I have a new respect for the in-laws. We again found out who our friends are and how her company she works for care about her and our family. The outpouring of love was tremendous.
I have recently seen maturity in my two adult children. I respect their faith and their integrity as young adults. They have surprised me in many ways. One I hope you will find in another blog someday.
My wife surprised me with a birthday party at my favorite restaurant and our church showed up. Thank you guys for being there. Birthdays and holidays are big for me and l love a good party.
Speaking of the church and gratitude. We tried a big launch for the church in September. It seemed a flop for me and was very discouraging. But when it was all said and done, the people of the church shared their support and challenged us to move on. It wasn’t long and we have started seeing some new faces. So thank you for your encouragement.
I found new talents this year in teaching college courses. I am having a blast this fall with students who tell me this is their favorite class and the would hate missing it. That has been a boost to the ego. I admit I love going to class as well. Even though I have to work at preparing the material and grading papers and tests, I look forward to every Tuesday and Wednesday night and the students who make up those classes.
I have so much more to share, actually too numerous to count. But behind all that matters is God and family and friends. What more can one be thankful for?
I pray that you take some serious time and thought and sit down and count your blessings. I would assume that many things are the same as last Thanksgiving, and yet some things have changed in family or jobs or circumstances that might give us pause to see some new ways to have a thankful heart. May those who read this be blessed and I share with you my own blessings for your Thanksgiving!
