Thanksgiving

Life has changed a lot in the last 4 months. As we approached the arrival of our first child, Katie and I were coming off a busy summer preparing for parenthood. When Sorin was born on August 22, we experience an adrenalin rush for weeks on end. It has been such a blessing to care for Sorin and see Katie embrace motherhood.

For me, it meant more hours at work and less down time after work. There seemed like more and more things to do. At the same time I felt like I was still leaving so many things undone. Life has been very busy. Good, but busy.

As I look at this week of Thanksgiving, I am not letting Thursday be a day of over-eating, boring football, and mindless family time. The Bible constantly tells us to remember. Stop, reflect, and remember what you have. Be thankful: for all the good things in your house you did not provide, wells you did not dig, vineyards you did not plant (Dt. 6:11). Stop and be thankful. It is a gift from God.

I am thankful because I compare. I compare myself to others less fortunate. And I know that I have so much compared to the rest of the world. Sure, my friends and neighbors may have more than me, and that's an easy comparison that could lead to self-pity. But that's not how God tells us to view others and the world. Is He enough for me? Do I trust that He is providing for our needs? Yes I do, but it's always a battle for my attention and allegiance.

I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord. I'm thankful for Katie and the love she puts into this family. I have never seen a harder working woman in my life. She spurs me on to be a better man. She doesn't stop. She's always thinking and planning. She cooks a mean jambalaya. And she married me (don't hold it against her). Shame on me for ever living a day without being thankful for Katie.

I am thankful for my son, Sorin. I am so thankful that he's healthy and so vibrant these days. He will continue to challenge me to be a great father - nothing less than a great father.

I am thankful for the work I have - I enjoy the tree work, I am challenged by the personal training, and I am trusting God for the next chapter in my life as I pursue a career in exercise and fitness.

I am thankful for the friends and family who supported us so much as we began our family with Sorin's arrival. The showers were an unbelievable help in starting this family. What a testimony to the Body of Christ, when so many come together to help for such a cause.

I am thankful for the gifts God has given me. While I may not understand why I can't use them all right now, I am very thankful for the person God has grown me to be. This is not a pat on my own back - I have short-comings longer than I'd like to admit. But God has blessed me with talents, abilities, and thoughts that are not of my doing - He is the Author. I am the steward.

I begin and I end with the Lord. I am thankful that He is in control and that He cares for me and my family more than I do. The God of David is the God of my soul. There is always much to give thanks.

Historic Day

Politics make for polarizing discussions.  Sometimes it's the social norm to avoid political discussions.  Many went to the polls today with their candidate on the tip of their pen.  And we all waited to see how the numbers came in.

Republicans and Democrats.  Red and Blue.  Age, race, experience, policy...  Do you know what today was about?  Freedom to vote.  The beautiful reality that in America, our President is chosen by the people.  We just elected a black man to be the 44th President of the United States of America.  History was made to day.  Let that sink in.

If you voted for him, you're probably relieved and excited.  Many are moved to tears.  If you voted for the other guy, you're probably frustrated and disappointed.  Many are admittedly scared for the leadership decisions Barack Obama may make.  I view the future as optimistic.  Can our country move in a worse direction?  Politics are very polarizing.  But I choose to trust the leadership of our public servants and believe that they will work long and hard to strengthen our country.

It's a privilege to vote in America.  It's a right to express your opinions.  But I firmly believe it's our responsibility to support our leaders and to give them a chance to do good.