It’s that time of year when we take the time and energy to consciously verbalize all of the things for which we are thankful (even though we should be doing this daily, me included)! So here I go pouring out my thankfulness as well.
I am thankful for my Lord and my faith. They keep me going when nothing else seems to work, they ease my pain, bolster my self confidence, assuage my doubt, and pull hope from nothing. Without them I would not be what I am or where I am. I do not know where you stand, but pray you have a similar source of strength for your troubled times.
I am thankful for my family. They are always there for me, no matter how badly I mess up, how grumpy I may be, how forgetful I get, or how troubled my psyche may become. They also cheer me on, give me the drive to continue, and help me celebrate the victories in life no matter how small.
I am thankful for my country. It isn’t perfect, still needs some work, but at the end of the day it is the best of all things there is out there.
I am thankful for our military. Not the establishment or the organization, but the individuals. I am thankful there are men and women who so love this country that they are willing to offer their lives so that I can continue my way of life.
I am thankful for my business. I get to make a living doing something I enjoy, something that is never the same day to day, something that challenges me mentally. I get to work with a fantastic group of people who help me do the best job I can every day. I am thankful for the owners of the pets I get to treat. Without the love and devotion they have for their non-human companions, I would not be able to do what I love.
I am thankful for my health. Despite whatever health challenges I may have, there are so many more people who struggle so much more than I do. I am fortunate to be able to enjoy the level of health that I have, and to have access to the quality of health care that we take for granted in this country. So many people in the world never see a doctor once in their lives.
I am thankful for the diversions in life that de-stress me, give me enjoyment, offer me escape: things like music, British comedy, poker, movies, massage, friends, The History Channel, soccer, writing, beer, et al.
Lastly, I guess I am thankful for new perspectives. I have a friend I played soccer with in high school who posted something on his Facebook page that I had to copy because of the perspective it offered. I will close with what he posted while wishing you and yours a very safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you have much for which you are thankful, and I hope you realize them all:
“If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep. You are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace. You are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness . You are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.... If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation. You are ahead of 500 million people in the world. If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death. You are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful. You are blessed because the majority can, but most do not. If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder.You are blessed because you can offer healing touch. If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore.You are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. Have a good holiday, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are. Wishing you Happy Holidays”
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