'Tis a Gift

I sit here late this sabbath evening, pondering over all the many blessings in my life.  I could be thinking instead about the upcoming elections, or law school applications (in fact, I probably should be thinking about that, but hushhh...the moment is still here), but it is nice to stop and see how truly blessed I have been throughout my life.  

First, I have a wonderful family.  My dear wife is obviously on the top of that list, so amazing and perfect.  Not far behind her is my darling little boy.  He can always put a smile on my face, even when it seems like he's trying to make me mad.  Then there is my father and mother, may she rest in peace.  They gave me the tools I needed to make it where I am today, and have facilitated many of my blessings in one way or another.  My brothers and sisters are awesome and awe inspiring.  I look at them and think, 'I can get there someday.  I don't have

 to go to college forever, or live in a little 600 sq ft apartment until I move to a retirement center.'  Judy's family is great, too.  From day one they accepted me as one of their own.  Then there's my humongeous extended family.  While I don't know them all very well, I know some of them pretty well and they just rock my socks.  

Second, I have great friends everywhere.  Well, maybe not everywhere, but I have some great friends, and I hope they know that they are appreciated.  Late night puzzle parties.  Saturday afternoon golfing adventures.  Shared delicatessens.  You know who you are and you're great.

  Third, I live in one awesome country.  Sure, the future is uncertain and the economy appears to be falling apart like an old, over-patched pair of jeans I just retired, but we've seen worse and we'll get through it one way or another.  I'm so greateful for the many wonderful men and women who have given their time, health, talents, and sometimes life or

 sanity to protecting this country.  I'm especially greatful for those of my ancestors who have paid that dear and precious price.  Almost every day I walk by a tree on campus, the freedom tree, that is dedicated to my uncle, Captain Robert Alan Rex of the 

United State's Air Force, and I remember that it is by the grace of God and great men like him that I am free to enjoy the blessings that I do enjoy.

Well, I was going to make this list longer, but it's midnight now, and I'll never get to bed if I go on.  I am greatful to my Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ for being the One behind all of these wonderful things in my life, and greateful to His Father, my Father, who is the mastermind behind it all.