Thanksgiving 2009

Sitting alone, sipping coffee, and looking over the Internet headlines in the pre-dawn hours this Thanksgiving morning I am reminded of how quickly the year has passed to join the other unrecorded pages of history.

Marked by both high and low points, the year has given so many things for which to be thankful. In what is without question the high point of the year my first grandson arrived in January. Finding words to express the joyous feelings of that day elude me. I've likened the emotion to that of attempting to describe the color green - it simply must be experienced to be understood. I've been reminded of how quickly life changes as he learned to sit up, then crawl, and began to take his first exploratory steps. In the days that passed after his arrival my life has found a renewed since of meaning and purpose. It is something of an irony that an event which creates such joy occurs at a point in life where the finish line is closer than the starting gate. Still for the blessing of having him in my life, for his health, and for the happiness he has given me, I'm truly thankful.

2009 marked the third year of teaching in my church Life Group. The affirming support of this group of the friendships I've discovered over the past years is so very special. The challenges of trying to teach the weekly Bible study to a group that has studied the book longer than I have done are daunting. However, this has only inspired me to research more, pray more often, and work harder to bring something of value to them each week. Amid the kind remarks and many complimentary thoughts they have given to me, one truth stands out - for all they may think I've given them, they have given me so much more to be thankful for.

Even in the low points, there is still much to be thankful for. Although each of them faced personal trials during the year, my children are all now safe, working, and growing. The overwhelming life events that forced me to leave the doctoral program (for a while) opened the door to a new job has provided much needed income and security. The surgeries and health problems faced by my parents helped all of us to remember how precious and short the time we have together really is. Although an unfortunate meeting with a car tire forced me to end the life of my cat, for 20+ years he was an ongoing source of memories and mayhem. A 55th birthday reminded me of all the new and wonderful friends I've made in that past few years from all parts of the world and that there is still so much time left in which to enjoy life.

Even the simple things like shelter from the elements, a way to get from one place to another, food, clothing, and even the quiet peace that comes when watching a small bird begin its day sitting on the porch rail as the sun breaks over the horizon give pause to be thankful.

We are so blessed.