The word "thankful" hardly seems adequate to capture all that I have felt the last few days. I guess I am recalling  my experiences as a teacher, when I would encourage my students to list all the people and stuff in their lives that they were thankful for. I'm not criticizing that perspective on thankfullness, but it goes much deeper than that for me. More than anything, my spirit resonates with an awareness that every single blessing in my life has come from a much greater source, and I didn't do anything to earn any of it. I am so tempted to walk through life with the attitude that, "I live a good life, therefore ..." The truth is, God is committed to capturing my heart completely, restoring it wholly and using it solely for His Kingdom. That's all He wants, and everything good He has given me is an expression of His love, not my merit.

So, as I celebrate Thanksgiving, I am overwhelmed that the God of the universe would reach into my heart and sing me a love song. It just seems like a few short years ago that I was kind of wandering aimless through life with all kinds of questions about how my story would develop. I have a beautiful wife, two unbelievable twin boys who amaze me everyday, a loving and supportive family, and the opportunity to pursue the career I have always dreamed of. I don't deserve it, so the best way I can think of to show my gratitude is to breathe it all in fully and give the glory back to the Author of this adventure.