Thankful!
I am a day late, but I must share that this Thanksgiving, there is so much to be thankful for:
I am thankful for my health, for which I truly feel blessed. To have survived cancer after undergoing painful, yet short-term treatment was such a gift this year. It is a gift I will not forget.
I am thankful for my family, friends, and every other person who makes my life what it is today. For giving me strength and support when I most need it, this summer, and always. You are a blessing and I am because we are.
I am full of thanks for the water I have to drink, the food I have to eat, the medicine I have to treat, the shelter I have to live. I am thankful to be a “have” in a world filled with so many “have-nots”.
I am grateful for my college education, to have graduated in May as valedictorian of my class and bestowed with the New Era Award. I am thankful for the experience of college, to have opened my eyes and discovered the world and myself; setting in motion a determination to do good in this world. I am thankful for the professors and peers who helped mold this brain; for the gift of education.
I am thankful this year, also, for the opportunity to travel to Rwanda; my first visit to Africa. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and respond as a human rights activist–to help those people who need our help most.
I am thankful to God for His grace and a life filled with so many gifts.
I am thankful to you for reading and sharing in this blog with me, for the opportunity for me to share the view through my lens.
There is much more for which I am knowingly thankful for and much, much more for which I have reason to be thankful for. But I will end with this excerpt from a wonderful book called “The Message”, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible, from my favorite Psalm (116).
What can I give back to God
for the blessings he’s poured out on me?
I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!
I’ll pray in the name of God;
I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,
and I’ll do it together with his people.
November 27, 2009
That's truly inspirational, how you can look at the challenges in your life as gifts. Another great lesson to learn. There is a lot in life to be grateful for and I'm very grateful to have an amazing brother like yourself and to be able to read this well written, thoughtful blog. Thank you!
Love always,
Cassandra
December 3, 2009
I guess I have to admit that for someone who may not be musically saavy, that because of him there are millions who know psalm 116 who would not otherwise know it (and probably other scripture too) That is a great thing.
December 10, 2009
Sir, I have to tell you, I've been following since your craziness started and your bravery, strength and positive outlook are an inspiration. Makes me teary eyed and hopeful – in a great way of course. Best sir and thanks 🙂