Thanksgiving Post 2010

Here I am, sitting in a warm house with the lights on, food in the oven, and loved ones on the way home. I have a lot to be thankful for! Each year I try to really dig deep in my soul and discover what I am truly thankful for...not only what, but who as well.

This year I will have a bunch of "whos" to thank.

1. I am thankful for people in my life who actually do what they say they will do. I have not had too many disappointments in my life. I have been able to count on a ton of people this year. Top of the list is my ever-loving wife, Lori. The rest of the list is pretty long...my family is always there for me. Outside of them I can add to it: Milton, Barbie, Francis, Jared, James, Thomas, Linda, Julie, Chante, Ken, Dave, Shana, Stacey, Rick, Jeff, Mike, Janice, Donna, Donald, Roya, PJ, Candace, Jana, Tom, and John. You all have saved my bacon so often, and I appreciate this quality about you.
2. I am thankful for a God that seems to never let me down. He sets me up and supports me so that I am able to do what I say I am going to do. I don't feel over-committed, but people say I am crazy to do what I do on a daily basis. I pray that I have not been a disappointment to anyone in my life this year. I try to finish what I start, and I try to say "yes" when I really have the time and energy. I don't know why, but whenever God answers my prayers I am amazed. I should expect it! But "Oh me of little faith" is always so confounded when he answers them. And I ask for ridiculous things for His Kingdom to grow. Maybe that is what always surprises me...
3. I am thankful for the comfortable environment God has blessed me with. I shouldn't have a worry in the world. I don't worry about where my next meal will come from, or that if I turn a switch I can have heat, light, food, or water...whenever I want it. Knowing that my friends in Kenya can't always count on that, and have to fight daily for survival makes me feel guilty...but I can still be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving! I wish we could celebrate it everyday because that is just the right way to do it. But once a year makes it special. Please think about all the things in your life that you are thankful for. And go a step further...tell those people you are thankful for them.

Chow!

Today I left my son after a quick weekend visit. I happened to fly through LA on business and had a few hours to catch up with him. It was nice spending that time with him...I don't get to see him that often anymore. I like looking him in the eyes when we talk...I learn so much more than when we chat on the phone.

He has started his "adult" life now...a job, bills, and the other responsibilities that come with that title. As a parent it is always so hard to see your kids struggle. In their youth it is issues with bullies, schoolwork, sports, or peer relationships, the basic issues of growing up. Now that he is grown, it is about careers, success, financial stability, and his happiness. Like I said, I hate to see my kids struggle. If he is like I was at the same age, it didn't feel like struggling. It was exciting. But now that I look back on my life, my parents were asking me the same types of questions I ask him now..."Do you have enough money? Are you saving anything? Do you need groceries? How's the car running? I didn't realize it then, but I do now. I guess I am worrying about his current life situation. I hate hearing that he is lonely at times and misses the girl he left behind in Ohio. But I can't fix it...I can only listen and worry. I want him so badly to be happy, to find happiness in his new surroundings. He seems happy and he always reassures me that things are okay. I hope so. But in my mind (and pretend world) things could always be better.

His sister causes me worry as well. She says she is feeling "lost" not knowing how her life will be in the near future. She worries that she won't be able to find a good degree that suits her that leads to a career that she will not only love but make tons of money at. I keep reminding her that she is only 19 and shouldn't really know yet. How many sophomores in college know what they want to do in life? But I remember those feelings as well...and then I accidentally fell into my career passion. I believe that if you are too organized then you don't give yourself an opportunity to grow. You never find adventure and opportunity. Too organized = too safe. I have always wanted my kids to discover the world like I was able to. New experiences can help that. Don't be too closed off to new experiences, I tell her.

Her unsettled feelings cause me to worry. I can't help it. Parents always want their kids to have it better than they did. We want them to surpass us in success...but we can't live their lives for them or make their decisions. That is the tough part!

Does this worry ever end? I don't think so because my parents are STILL asking me the types of questions that tell me they still worry about me. Relax Mom and Dad; things are okay! Really they are! (I only wish I could take my own advice!)

Chow!