Thankfulness!

Yes, I know this may seem a bit cheesy, but I think with "Black Friday" and all that crap that the consumer market put out that I would take some time out and talk plainly about what I'm thankful for. Just for the sake of this I despise "Black Friday" and what it has become. Americans trampling each other for items just because everyone is lashing prices. What a joke! It's sickening to hear about people on the new that are injured because of the "Black Friday" shoppers. End of rant!

Thankfulness is one of those terms that I think we need to remember and understand how much we truly have to be thankful. When you consider everything that is happening around the globe we who live in this land of the free that is protected by the brave have a lot to be thankful for. I for one am truly thankful for the past, present, and future generation of Americans who continually put their lives on the line for this country. Those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice I hold in the highest regard for human life because growing old is a privilege not all have. Some kids may grow up never knowing their father, mother, uncle, and or aunt because they gave their life protecting this country. I know the cost of war and serving one's country and yes I did take it for granted when I was younger. Now I can truly appreciate the sacrifices those who serve this country have paid in the past and present.

Thankful for the life that I've been giving because lets be honest here I should be dead. Not just once or twice, but three times and yet I'm here because God protected me during my time in Iraq. I truly believe this because of what I witnessed and experienced serving in Iraq. Every day is a gift from above because it's God who puts the breath in our lungs and allows us to wake up. Thankful that I get to see my family each day and I am allowed to watch my nephew grow up. Thankful for the new found friends that I have regardless of the age differences between us. Thankful for for the life that I am living and what I get to see in the beauty of creation each and every day.

Thankful for what God is doing in my life and what is still yet to come. It's been very interesting so far and I'm excited to see where the next leg of the journey will take me. Knowing that God is in control is exciting and yet nerve racking at times because lets face it we all wanna know exactly where he's taking and when we'll reach the destination. Thankful the body of believers that God has brought around me to help me grow, learn and love each other when we are going through tough times. Just when we think it can't get any worse, it does and that's where the love comes in. I know people have been there for me and I've been there for others.

So please remember that this day is about being Thankful for what you've been given, not what our consumer society says you need to have. We all really have a lot to be thankful and we need to remember the right perspective honestly. So I hope you all enjoy the turkey, pies of all flavors, and you know those mashed potatoes lol! Yeah buddy! Thankful for a soon to come YMCA membership lol! Be blessed friends!

© Nathan Fahlin