Thankful

I think I have said before that Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday. I’m glad we celebrate this holiday at this time of year. Given the rhythm of the seasons it is natural to take this time to reflect on the blessings of life God so generously provides to us. So, to close out the month I am going to relate what we have been doing recently by giving thanks.

Obviously I am most thankful for my family. In the midst of all the busy hubbub of life we have been able to find time to be together. Jenna can pop in quite easily and even spent the entire week of Thanksgiving at home. We’ve been able to go do things together and enjoy each other’s company.

We took a quick trip to Georgia the weekend before Thanksgiving, and I am thankful for our family there too. Cameron was away at school, but we always have fun when “the Eatin’est Bunch,” as Pauline called us, gets together. This time was no different. This visit was typical of most. We stayed at their house, played games, talked, and laughed. We did, however, go out to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Speaking of family, I am thankful we could gather at Mom’s house for our Thanksgiving meal. Once again, Vicki and Jenna loaded the table with good things to eat. This year we invited my cousin, Emaly, to share the meal with us. Emaly added so much fun to the day as we visited.

I am thankful my kids have the opportunity to go to the schools they do. Jenna is winding up a great first semester at Trevecca and has developed some special friendships. The boys, too, are doing the same. Ben has a group of friends that celebrate birthdays together or just come up with fun things to do like ice skating. He is also at the beginning of another season of basketball which promises to be exciting to watch. And Nate had a lot of fun spending the night with friends last week. Each of my children are spreading their wings and living life to the full, and I am thankful.

I am thankful for the country in which I live and the people who sacrificed to give us what we have. The last time I wrote was about Jessie’s service in World War II, but we were graphically reminded of this when we went to see Hacksaw Ridge last week.

I am so grateful to enjoy good health. For example, now that I am 50 the doctor prescribed a colonoscopy just to check things out. The report that my plumbing is good and to come back in 10 years was music to my ears.

Most of all, I am so thankful to share life with Vicki. It takes a special woman to put up with me, and I don’t know that I’m broke in after 22 years of marriage. I’m glad she’ll have me because the time I spend with her, whether its here at home doing the mundane things of life or going out to enjoy a quiet meal together at Los Agaves (our favorite restaurant), is what makes life sweet and good.

I could go on and on, but I think I have made my point. Thanksgiving 2016 may have come and gone, but the special things in life that God has given me is not lost. I am humbly thankful.

Joe