The Importance of Being Thankful

Being thankful helps us to reflect on the good in our life, thank those who have helped to create that good, and thank the One who has given us life. A lot of people are doing those thankful things for every day of this month and I think this is a really cool thing to do in order to shift our focus every day from that which may cause us grief to how good our lives really are if we just take the time to reflect on all that is good in our life, past and present. It's amazing the power in taking time to reflect and being thankful can have if you practice it a lot. It humbles you and fills your heart with joy because you realize just how blessed you are, even if it's just little things. You also realize you could have never achieved all of it on your own.

As many of you are aware it is Veterans Day. I would like to take the time to reflect and thank the many who have sacrificed much for our safety and freedom. I have had several family and friends serve in the military and I am so thankful to them for all they have done. Many of you who know my father and have heard him preach have most likely heard about my grandfather, Ken, who served in WWII. My dad always speaks with gratitude and pride towards our grandfather and I have always looked up to him. It's because of him and many like him that we are still free today and safe.

For me it is easy to be thankful today because I know personally the sacrifices that were made through stories from close family and friends. But even if you don't know anyone who has served, it is still important to be thankful to those who have, or are currently serving this country, because what they have done has affected you personally in many ways.

Growing up, if we saw any military personnel while we were out and about, my father always made it a point to thank that person for their service. That made an impact on me and I try to do the same today. For those that are reading this that have served, or are serving; I thank you. What you do, or have done, to keep us safe and free is deeply appreciated and always will be.