Saturday, November 26, 2011

Little late Thanksgiving

I had every intention of writing an obligatory Thanksgiving post, but, as one can easily tell, I failed... nothing too new or surprising on that account, but still. So, slightly late, here is an obligatory Thanksgiving post:

First and foremost this year, as cliche as it is to say, I am thankful for a personal relationship with Christ. Moreso than even that, I am thankful that I know what that phrase means. I do not merely proclaim Christianity because I am a white anglo-saxon protestant descended American, but I proclaim it because I have been redemed by a Savior who saught me out and called me to Him.

I am thankful for a wife that is so much my other half that it is hard to picture how I would survive without her. I have learned over the past year a new level of appreciation for the love and support she offers to me, no matter where I am. This year has been a trial of never-before-seen proportion for me. The incredible stress of losing my mother as well as all of the other things going on in my life, and my wife was right there through it all. My wife makes me a better person.

I am thankful for my daughter; truly the light of my world. Her enthusiasm over things as simple as a morning hug, and her unwaivering love for her mom and I are outstanding testaments to the love of God. She makes me a better person as well, I must live in a way that I would want her to emulate. She makes me want the world to be a better place.

I am thankful that my mother is healed. She is no longer sick, and cancer has no more hold over her. My mother was the only person on this earth that always knew and understood what I was saying, where my head was, and how to break me down. She could defuse my ego, and boost my self-esteem at the same time. She was given the gift that so many of would wish we could have; she was able to say when she was ready to pass from this life. She got to say where, and when. I am thankful that God answered a prayer I made when I first learned of her illness that she be healed in a beautiful and miraculous way that would be so evident of His grace. I miss her dearly, but I am comforted by the knowledge that in death she has not once worried about anything, and she never will again.

I am thankful for an earthly father that is so full of grace and intense passion. I can't say enough for this man; watching him through the past 4 years has taught me more about love, true, unbridled, and fierce love, than anything I have ever seen on this earth. I am so much the man I am because my Dad is the man he is. He worked 100 hour weeks, yet still had time to coach, practice, and watch me. He never made us feel second to his company.

I am thankful for my sisters, who help to keep me well grounded. They are both beautiful people, and deserve all they get in life.

Thats it in a nutshell... hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!