Giving Thanks by Dan

Thanksgiving isn't "Thankful day" but rather "give thanks day." To whom are we giving "Thanks"? God, of course. 18 years ago in this month of November I was in a near fatal car accident driving back home on a business trip through central California. I can't count the number of times that someone has asked me, "Did you pray for God to save you?" When I was trapped in the wreckage, I remember clearly asking Him to "let me get to the hospital". I knew that I would have a fighting chance if I could make it there. The other most popular question I am asked is, "Did it change you?" Of course it changed me. It made very aware that everything we have can be taken away in an instant and it made me appreciate the value of every day. I spent 4 long months in the hospital and there were some very dark days during that time. For a while the doctors didn't know how to help me, I was that sick. During my recovery, at some point I began thanking God daily for all he has given me. I try to say it every morning, sometimes in the evening and whenever I notice the beauty that surrounds us. It goes something like this:

"Thank you Lord, for this beautiful day. For my wonderful children, my wife, my home and the life you have given me. Thank you for my friends & family and all the special people that you have had touch my life. Let me walk in your shadow wherever you lead me. Guide me to be a better person tomorrow than I am today. Thank you for this day and every day and the opportunities you give me to learn and grow."

Everything in life is transient - good times, bad times, happy times and sad times. Everything comes and goes. Time passes. We are blessed with this moment. Someday our kids will get older and move away. We have a brief few years to help them learn and grow - to help them find the beauty and the joy in themselves. Life is a precious gift that comes with no guarantees other than the chance to make the most of it. Thanksgiving is every day.