Jesus Christ - who took upon Himself all of my sins and all of God's wrath toward me to make me righteous and reserve my eternal destination with Him. Who has given me His promises (The Bible) which allow me to have hope in this hopeless world. Who promises He will never leave or forsake me. He is all mighty, all knowing, all holiness, who gives daily mercies, bears my burdens, breaths life into my lungs for each moment that I'm alive on this planet, and who is responsible for all the good gifts that I have been given.
For my parents - who gave me love that I've never doubted, wisdom to overcome life's uncertainties, modeled for me what it is like to follow Jesus, and are both great examples of lives well lived. For giving us the gift of travel and the importance of making memories. For all the sacrifices that I will never truly appreciate. For protecting me, nurturing me, pushing me beyond my perceived limitations and praying for me through all the seasons of my life. For passing along the love of reading and learning. Of modeling the importance of not only working hard but playing hard. From them I have learned faith, the work ethic to glorify God in all I do, and the importance of family.
For my wife - who knows me like no one else and still loves me. Who encourages me and models faith in God in good and bad times. Who, in spite of overwhelming trials and tribulations, still believes in the goodness of God. Who is smart, funny, beautiful, and has an awesome singing voice. Who has given me the wonderful gift of our daughter. (Plus our child in Heaven) Who is the most unselfish person I have met and who loves her children beyond measure. She cares deeply about this world, loves to serve and help people, and is an unbelievable and loyal friend. My life without her would be empty.
For my daughter - who has expanded my heart in ways I never thought possible. Who lights up my world with her laughter. Who constantly amazes me with the gifts that God has given her. She is truly a miracle and a constant reminder of His grace. She is so smart and can read a room just like her mother. Her social intelligence is off the chart. She is humble, loyal and giving. I love the way she loves her mother and protects her against all adversity. She is a phenomenal daughter and a wonderful friend. Can't imagine life without her.
For my brother - who made our childhood such a special experience. Who inspires me with his love of family and faith in God. Who is fearless about sharing his faith with others. Who encourages others at work and and at play. Who sees everyone as a friend or future friend. Who gives way more grace than I can imagine. Very thankful for his friendship as we grew into adulthood.
For my sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, and cousins - for all the countless hours we played together as children, or who shared life together as we grew older. Who showed me the creativity of God to weave our varied family together in His image. Who loved each other through life's struggles and kept their faith.
For family that our no longer here but who molded my life into the person I am today. For my grandmother who never quit praying for me and for all of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For my grandfather who displayed a fearless perspective on life that I have never forgotten. Who showed me a life without boundaries. For my uncles who gave of their time and displayed their faith.
For my friends - who challenge me with their faith walk and testimonies. Who share my burdens. Who encourage me and remind me of God's faithfulness. Who pray for me and care for my family. Life would be unbearable without their presence. Who have spoken God's word into my life in moments where I couldn't see clearly. Who have reminded me that I am not alone.
For books - for the many authors who have fought through the creative process and gifted us with worlds and characters that have enriched my life. For stretching my imagination. For providing me with countless hours of immersion into different lands, times and space.
For music - which has been my personal therapy throughout my life. Who provided me a way to meet people and share good times. Who has moved me at different points in my life in ways that mere words could never do. Who have provided memory guideposts that are forever linked in my mind.
For travel - which has expanded my view of the world, people and of God. His handiwork is on display everywhere we go. His creativity is unparalleled and His enjoyment with His work is clear. For showing me how blessed I am and the importance of giving to others who are less fortunate.
For art - that has provided hours of entertainment, enabling me to recharge my batteries before resuming my life journey.
For sports - that have given me the highest highs and lowest lows that I can ever imagine. For the joy of watching Tennessee football as they claim a national championship. For watching Pat Summit's teams model her commitment and quest for perfection as they claim multiple championships throughout the years. For the Atlanta Braves and the lean years as well as the dominance they displayed in the 90's. (as well as this year's team which may be the most fun to watch in years) For the untold hours of competition playing backyard football, basketball, baseball, tennis, racquetball, and so many other competitive sports (I'm looking at you ping pong . . . )
For games - for all the times we've gathered around a simple table and started competing in cards, D&D, board games and so much more. For learning the importance of teamwork as we band together to fulfill impossible goals. For the experience of pushing the day-to-day aside and immersing ourselves into other realities. For learning how to compete, work together and for all the experiences of winning and losing in so many different realms.
For the blessing of life, for work, for being able to see and hear. For fingers that can move, feet that can carry me to my desired destinations and for the endurance to face each day anew. For intelligence, for problems and trouble that drive me to rely upon God. For logic and the road less traveled. For loneliness that pushes me toward the person of Jesus who will never leave me, never forsake me, never get tired of hearing me talk and is always working on my behalf to glorify His Kingdom. For unanswered prayers. For people lost in time. For the continual war on pride. For friends whose names I no longer remember. For memories that even though they are fading are still such wonderful friends. For fall and winter. For holidays. For the anticipation of sharing Thanksgiving meals and Christmas mornings. For the lights and sounds that remind us of the best of ourselves. For all those wonderful occasions that in their small ways point to the glory that awaits all who believe in Christ. For dreams. For the "Yes" from God that changes everything. For every day that draws me closer to my true home.
For freedom, the United States of America, justice, people who care and give, displays of unselfishness, hiking in the woods, Smoky mountains, streams, dogs and cats, phones (though I waver on their goodness from day-to-day . . . ) cars, air conditioning, radio, podcasts, cartoons, coloring books, cameras, audio recorders, cold weather, snow, oceans, amusement parks, sunrises and sunsets, thunder storms, new experiences, the sound of a baseball hitting a catcher's mitt, the smell of hot dogs at the ballpark, for Krystal hamburgers, bikes, off-days, hot wheels, play-doh, road trips, haunted houses, freezing mornings, people to love to encourage, and especially for people who partner with me in prayer.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
