Thanksgiving

Being by nature an over-stressed, rarely content, glass-is-half-empty kind of guy, taking time-out to count my blessings is something that happens all too infrequently. It is not that I am unthankful, quite the contrary. But I admit it does take a little more effort to stop long enough to appreciate the joys in my life, such as:

• My wife, without whom I cannot survive. She is my best friend, my partner in life and parenthood, and truly the better part of me.
• My oldest son, who amazes me every day with his insatiable desire for knowledge, his genuine and sensitive heart, and his maturity in handling unfortunate circumstances.
• My youngest son, whose delight of life finds joy in so many ways, his infectious smile, his creative imagination and enthusiasm.
• My family, who though far away are never far from my thoughts. And for my in-laws, who ease the loneliness I feel at times being so far away from my own.
• My brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who fill roles as both family and closest friends.
• The prosperity I enjoy but never take for granted - good employment, a comfortable home, and the means to do for others.
• The opportunity to live free in a country that remains a beacon on a hill.
• The men and women throughout America's history who have fought and sacrificed much to keep us free.
• Our Father in Heaven, who by His grace allows me to stand, who has blessed me in so many countless ways, but challenges me to move forward in faith, and not remain stagnant. For His unrelenting patience, and for His healing touch.

Yes, I am thankful, and this Thanksgiving, I will contemplate these wonderful blessings and enjoy my family, my friends, and my life.