I am Thankful

So on this Thanksgiving of the year 2006, what are we all thankful for?

I am thankful for God on high, the loving Master and Creator of this universe, who continues to amaze me daily in so many ways. His blessings are greater than I could ever imagine, and even on days when it seems like nothing is going right, He always is there for me.

I am thankful for my wife Kristen, who has amazing love and patience with such a wretch like me. There are so many days when I don't understand why she loves me, and so many days when I couldn't blame her for storming out, but she never does, her love, like the Father's, is constant.

I am thankful for the Lord's church, especially here in Guntersville, Alabama. The people here are wonderful, loving, forgiving, generous, and genuine.

I am thankful for my family: My father for always listening to me and being able to offer support, my mother for being the greatest cook in the entire world, my brother, I'm thankful for him being alive this year after such a scare he gave us, and my sister for being so kind and wonderful. For their spouses, for being so great to me, loving me as part of their family. For my nieces and nephews for being so full of life with such a great outlook, and for always rushing to give me a hug when they see me.

I am thankful for my in-laws. Granted, there are times when I feel as if I just don't fit in, but they accept me anyways. I have a beautiful father-in-law and mother-in-law, who are God fearing people and would do anything for us.

I am thankful for my dog, Chloe, who offers such brightness in this world of darkness. You can't help but look at her and smile. She loves me no matter what, and is never in a bad mood.

I am thankful for my friends, dear friends in Huntsville, in Memphis, in Ashland City, and in Houston. I am thankful for my friends all over this world, from Tennessee, to Honduras, to Scotland.

I am thankful that God has blessed me with the knowledge of salvation, His love, and the ability to teach others about it. I am thankful for the written word of God, and the ability I have to read it and understand it.

I am thankful that this season, I will be able to sit down at a table full of bountiful food, enough to feed several families. I am thankful that this season I have the financial means to purchase gifts for my family and friends. I am thankful that I have a warm house, a driveable car, and clothes that even if they don't make me look thinner, fit me and keep me warm.

I am thankful for the teenagers in my youth group. There's not a one that I can't learn from daily. They have a zeal for God, and want to know Him.

I am thankful for the parents and volunteers who help with our youth group. I am thankful for the staff I work with, Lisa and Phillip and Donna.

I am thankful for James Byrd, a man who does work for us around the church building in exchange for groceries and gas money, and who always finishes what he starts, and never once complains.

I am thankful that one day, this earth will end, and we will be able to go live with our father in Heaven, without pain and suffering, and singing praises to him for an eternity.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.