Thanksgiving Reflections

Thanksgiving—a time of reflection, of appreciating and valuing, of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for all we have received.

As this year winds its way into the holiday season, I find myself thinking of time. Eleven months ago, Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed so far away. How did they get here so fast?

Twelve years ago, I almost departed this earth—heart surgery and its complications were calling me to the other side. But God, in his infinite wisdom, not to mention his wonderful sense of timing and delightful sense of humor, had other ideas.

So I’m still here, and deep into the season of life he called me to from that hospital bed—writing, coaching, mentoring, teaching.

And I think of time with family, especially our children. My wife and I are here in Texas. Our children are scattered from Missouri to New Jersey, to Massachusetts to New Hampshire. Thank God for phone calls and email, for Facebook and Pinterest and Skype. But we miss the physical closeness. And we wait, sometimes patiently, sometimes not, for what God has next in this area.

We treasure the time we can spend with them. And we are most grateful our grandson took the time to visit us earlier this month. A short visit that planted memories we will have forever.

And forty-six years of marriage—to the same woman! Thanksgiving is doubly special because that’s day we married. Some say I got a beautiful wife to be thankful for and she got a turkey.

She certainly has a special place waiting for her in heaven after raising five children and a husband. I would not be the man I am today without her love and her prayers. Thank you, Linda for loving me and sticking with me all these years.

How about you? What special things are you most thankful for?