Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I'm not going to do a post traveling one of my two usual routes: witty and insightful, or spiritual and contemplative. I'm just going to do the standard, "I'm thankful for" Thanksgiving posts. Yeah, maybe boring, but I don't take time out enough to appreciate the blessings in my life. The Bible commands to approach God with thanksgiving and praise... giving thanks should be the hallmark of my life. So, here's a partial list... I'm thankful that...

• I'm alive... I wasn't always thankful for that.
• my life has purpose... no matter what the situation is, God has more in store for me tomorrow, more exciting assignments to carry forth for God's Kingdom. The future is always bright.
• I have reasons to smile and be joyful.
• I have a roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back, all of the basics are abundantly met.
• God speaks, and that sometimes, I hear. I'm thankful that God uses so many different methods to communicate His purposes and His love to me.
• I have supportive, loving, caring friends, and that I have great reason to invest in those friendships whenever I have a chance.
• I have a family... family was never a super bright spot or high priority in my world; I think of so many people that will eat alone today, for whatever reason. They built a foundation of modest living and a humble heart within me, and it serves me well today.
• I have precious mentors that speak into my life spiritually, personally, professionally, and they do it with joy. I'm thankful that I have examples of what is good and right.
• I have visions, albeit hazy, of what the Lord will do in my life in the future, and it will continue to be the ride of a lifetime.
• I'm thankful for how I was designed, and that I have no real reason to wish that I would look different or have more. I'm by no means rich or awesome in this world's eyes, but God has blessed me with the contentedness that I'm a child of God, and His approval is all I need.

God bless all of you on this Thanksgiving. May it be restful, joyful, and a gift to your soul as we remember all of the things we should be thankful for, and for all of the mercies God has rained down from heaven upon us.