I wish I had something really brilliant or profound to share, but I don’t. I just want to share the things for which I give thanks.

Family

I have an amazing family. I’ve written in the past about my wife and her love and persistence, but a lot of that extends to the rest of my family, as well. I know a lot of people who battled some of the same addictions I did, whose family disowned them or wrote them off. Despite it all, my family never did. My parents, my brother and his wife, my in-laws, they all persisted in faith and love and prayer, never letting believe I was okay in my sin, but never feeling like I wasn’t loved or that they didn’t care. That’s a difficult line to walk, but by the grace of God, they all did. And I love them for it.

NOTE: In addition to blood relatives and my in-laws, I’m also blessed with amazing friends and a church family that has made my life so rich and wonderful.

Plenty

Lately, when I’ve paused to give thanks before a meal, I’ve been really moved by how much I have and how blessed I am. I have a great job, and so does my wife. We have benefits, and good health, and a nice home, and reliable vehicles, and plenty of toys and clothes and gadgets and entertainment and resources to achieve really whatever we want. In my life, being “broke” means eating at home instead of eating out for a few days until payday. The freezer, refrigerator, and cabinets are all full. I don’t go to sleep worried about where my next meal will come from. I don’t fret over how I will get to work or get my kids to school. I’m blessed with so much more than I need, and I’m thankful for that.

Leisure

A corollary of plenty is leisure; because I have more than enough, I have time to do nothing. I have time to rest and read and imagine and daydream. I have time to watch TV and Netflix. I have hours in most days where I can sit and do nothing at all, enjoy the company of my wife and my kids and my friends. It’s a blessing to be able to rest and to clear your mind, and I’m thankful for the blessing of leisure time.

I hope everyone has a happy thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend. My condolences to the retail workers dealing with crowds this weekend - may God be with you.