I always seem to start late and never get caught up. Such is the story of my life. But this year I'm only 3 days behind - So here we go...
I am thankful and pray I will always be:
1. for my God who is patient and loving and forgiving and kind (I'll only count that as one but reserve the right to repeat any of those as God shows Himself in my life) Ultimately EVERYTHING listed here is out of gratitude to Him. He is the source of ALL that I cherish. James 1:16-17 "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
2. for my wife who shares so many of the same qualities toward me (Keep an eye out for this recurring thought)
3. for my daughters, all grown and gone, (also responsible and loving God) who make me proud every time I think of them (again-look for this recurring thought)
4. for my son who is growing into a responsible young man and who will one day move out of my house as well
5. for my brothers and sisters who miss me enough to ask me when I will move back to PA but understand that there is no better place to be than where God wants you to be.
6. for my mother who taught us well and who gave us all the peaceful assurance that although we miss her she is REALLY happy right now!
7. for my church family here in Greybull who have opened their hearts to my family and me and walk the trail with us as we follow our God (what a crazy trail!)
8. for my church family spread out all over the place! The memories and recent contacts in those relationships are sweet and serve as an encouragement and blessing to me more than they know.
9. for the world that God has placed me in. Almost daily I am reminded that all of His Creation declares HIS glory and He has put me in a beautiful place. May that meditation always please Him. (Psalm 19)
10. for my life. Each breath, whether gasped hiking in the mountains or enjoyed at ease, is a priceless gift that I too often take for granted. Not today!
So there we go - a start - as I look back over the list it seems like really BIG stuff. I suppose it is. But they need to be voiced and will be repeating themes as the list grows because they are foundational to all I am thankful for. Most likely the mood will lighten and the list may seem more trivial but I pray the gratitude will only grow deeper until it floods over me every moment of every day.
