It’s the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. In the past Thanksgiving was nothing more than a few days off from work, a time to gorge, and a springboard into Christmas. In my thirty six years I’ve seen enough good and bad in this life to reflect a little longer on this holiday.
When I was a child there weren’t many pilgrimages outside the city limit of my home town and in my teenage years I grew to love a good road trip. The worse part of the trip was always those last few miles. The anticipation of new adventures seemed to slow time itself down and the miles would go by at a snail’s pace. If only life were this way. Life is more like a wave in the ocean. When you are out at sea you look at the shore line and it appears so distance on the horizon, but the closer that wave gets to the beach it’s speed seems to increase and such is life.
It is not lost on me that these truly are the prime days of my life and I have so much to be thankful for. I have a loving and merciful God, a tender and patient wife, and two healthy children that want for nothing. I am no saint, like more individuals I would love a bigger house, a cooler car, and more guy toys. If I am being honest there is nothing more in life that I really need. God is good! When I tell people that I am more blessed than I deserve it isn’t a play at humility, it’s a heartfelt response.
I am thankful that my children have never known the feeling of true hunger and that my entire family is in good health. The headlines are full of tragic stories of heart ache and loss and I am truly thankful that I have experienced a limited amount of both in my life. Thanksgiving isn’t about black Friday, eating gluttonous amounts of food, or extra days off work. The third Thursday of every November has been set aside to reflect on the many blessing we have each been given. I am thankful that I have another year to celebrate with my family and friends and I am surrounded by people that care for me. As you read this blog I hope you have taken a brief moment to give thanks and that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
God Bless,
Brian
