Week of Thanks: My Family

I am sure you have noticed by now that Thanksgiving is upon us. As we enter into this season I have noticed that Thanksgiving has taken a back seat in our culture; this holiday is no longer about giving thanks but about buying stuff at a discounted rate.

Instead of spending a few posts ranting about all of this, I want to do the opposite. I am going to give thanks, and I invite you along with me on this week long journey. I plan to post once a day for the next week, each day describing something I am thankful for in my life. These are not in any specific order – I am thankful for all of them (mostly) on an equal level.

I am thankful for my Family

I realize I have already described my immediate family, so today I am talking about my extended family. Siblings, siblings-in-law, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and everyone else I forgot to list, if you are a part of my extended family I am thankful for you. I realize not everyone involved in that list holds the same beliefs as I do, nonetheless I still care for you and pray for you.

There are four people that are missing from that list because we want to single them out; our parents and our in-laws. (Maureen and I wrote this post together) They are all wonderful people in their own right, but they also share many things in common, so much of what I’m thankful for applies to them all.

I am thankful for your faith. You have all modeled what it means to follow God through life; through good times and hard times you have always stuck to your faith. Thanks for that example.

I am thankful for your sacrifices. From time spent with us to getting us through college and everything in between you have made a lot of sacrifices to benefit your kids. We have noticed and are thankful.

I am thankful for your support. No matter how crazy dreams seemed when first described, never did you squash them. Even when struggles or road blocks come up you still encourage us to keep going.

I am thankful for your time. You always have a listening ear even if your favorite show is on! Over the years, you were always willing to help when we needed you. We value your time and appreciate all the time you have sacrificed.

I am thankful for your Godly example. Both of you have shown us how to love through better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and health. You truly have followed your marriage vows and what an example it has been!

Joe and Joan, Maury and Patsy, we love you and are thankful for you!