Thanksgiving Thankfulness? For what?

What is there to be thankful for? The economy is still in the toilet. There are people unemployed, we continue to be involved in wars across the world, and the government wants to raise or taxes still spending recklessly.
 
 Well let me think. This year has been a challenge yes? I have been to funerals for three friends that were my age or younger. That makes me aware of my own mortality and that no one is promised tomorrow so I am thankful that I wake with a breath in my lungs each morning.

I am thankful for a wife (Marcia) that continues to stand by my side even when I am being me. I am thankful for my two sons (Marc & Filip) that at times drive me to a boiling point that I can hug and hold each day. I cannot imagine the pain some friends go thru during these holidays with a void in the their hearts and lives. I am grateful that I still have a Mother (Mom) that I can talk to thru the internet and phone. I give thanks for the memories of my dad (Phil) whom I still miss. I give thanks for a sister (Diane) that I love and a brother (Jim) that I need to be closer to. I give thanks for my brother-in-law (Wayne) who is more like a brother than in-law. I give thanks that Marcia's sister (Linda) and nephew (AJ) can spend this day with us. I am thankful for all my in-laws (If I tried naming them I'd be here till next Thanksgiving) out west, wish they or we could visit more often. I give thanks for all my cousins, nieces, & nephews who I cherish as family.
I give thanks for all the friends I have (yes I believe I do have friends)  and too all the old friends that I reconnected with this year on facebook (and for them putting up with my nonsense posts).
I give thanks that I currently have a job to support my family.

I give thank to the soldiers that are risking their lives trying to make us (me) safer in this world. I give thanks to all those that served our country before  and will continue to personally thank them when I see them on the street. I give thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us.
We should never forget.

I give thanks that my wife made me fulfill on of my desires and buy a motorcycle this year.


I give thanks that although diagnosed with diabetes I could get that under control with medication and a healthier lifestyle. (Down 60 lbs. this year).

Most of all
I give thanks for a loving God that continues to forgive all my iniquities and for the ultimate gift of his Son.

And if you read this far I am thankful for that. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving
Bob Jurewicz