A Thanksgiving Post

Image by techvt via Flickr

Here is a list of things that I am thankful for in no particular order, as you will soon see...

1.  I am thankful that I was born in the U.S-hallelujah-of-A.  I don't feel like I need to apologize for being a citizen in the best country in the world.  Sure, Americans have faults.  Sure, our history is spotty at times.  There's not a nation on earth that has moral high ground when it comes to it's past (I'm looking at you, Germany), but I'm thankful and proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free...  (sing it, Lee Greenwood)

2.  I am thankful for  George Lucas.  He brought the world Star Wars AND Indiana Jones.  I even forgive him for Jar Jar Binks and for casting Hayden Christiansen as Anakin.

3.  I am thankful for how much better my life is because of Apple products.

Cover of David Crowder Band

4.  I am thankful for Will Farrell's movies--the ones that are actually funny and quotable.

5.  I am thankful for the David Crowder Band.  I will miss you, boys.  I hope your hiatus isn't very long.

6.  I am thankful for Tim Tebow.  I don't know how long this Broncos winning streak is going to last, but dang it's fun to watch my team again.  John Elway, I don't think I need to remind you that during your first two years as Denver's QB people wanted you gone, thought you would never be a real QB and you once lined up behind the guard instead of the center.  So lighten up on the kid.

Image via Wikipedia

7.  I am thankful for Starbucks Venti Cinnamon Dolce Lattes.  I have resorted to only buying them if I have a Starbucks gift card---because they cost $5 a piece.

8.  I am thankful that the ONE photo of me in leiderhausen when I  worked at Disney World is hidden safely in an unnamed location.

9.  I am thankful that I have not yet gotten too old to enjoy playing air guitar.

10.   I am thankful for the turkey that is now in the oven, the collard greens that are simmering in fatback on the stove, the homemade dressing that my wife is fixing along with some mashed potatoes and gravy...  Lawd have mercy!

Here's where I get serious...

I am thankful that I married up.  My wife is unbelievable.  I look at her every single day of my life and wonder why God saw fit to make that happen---the whole making her fall in love with a guy like me.  Everywhere we go I know there are a bunch of dudes wishing they were going home with her.  And I get to do that. Thank you sweet baby Jesus!

I am also thankful for my boys.  They are all over the map when it comes to their stages in life.  I've got teenage angst, legos and light sabres, and diapers and Baby Einstein.   It's beautiful and wonderful.

I am thankful for my parents, who live less than a mile down the road, and without whom my family and I would not be nearly as blessed, at peace or joyful.

I am thankful for my church, which is awesome and full of incredible people.  I can't believe I get to get up in the morning every day and be the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis.  It's vibrant, growing, and doing incredible things to further the kingdom of God.

Last and certainly not the least---- I am thankful for Jesus.  I know I sound like one of those sports stars who thanks Jesus when he wins... but I'm serious about this.  Jesus saved my life.  Literally.  And he keeps saving it each and every day.  Stumbling after him is my life's calling and I love pursuing it even though sometimes I don't do it very well.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Pass the turkey.