Fingers

I love Thanksgiving – it might be the greatest day of the year. When I was a kid, I loved it because my Mom would make every single thing I loved to eat all at one time. But the older I grow, the more I appreciate the exercise of deliberately slowing myself down enough to consider how truly incredible life is – and to give thanks for it all.

Today, as I watched the snow fall on the roof of my neighbor’s house, I was suddenly grateful for snow…and a house to shield me from it…and a window, a chair and a blanket to enjoy it. And without even trying, I’d begun a list.

My bills are paid and there’s a little left over…Thank you.

I’m healthy and so is my wife and our kids…I’m so grateful.

I have a great job. It’s tough work, but there’s purpose in it…May I never take it for granted.

I was done with that list we all make each year in a matter a few short minutes. And I could have stopped there; I have before. But today, my head and heart turned to the people who fill my life, walking this road and sharing these days with me. I thought about work friends and people who live down the street. Mentors and protégés. Old friends and new.

An hour later, I was still going. And I realized all over again that it doesn’t matter how great or terrible most things might seem to be – if you’ve got the love and support of a true friend, you’re rich beyond wealth. You’re whole beyond health. You’re happy beyond your experience.

So, with a heart that’s full of thanks, I didn’t want to let the holiday pass by without thanking you, my friends, for all that you’ve contributed to my life.

If you’ve ever made me laugh so hard you made me forget for a moment that I’m an adult

Or if you’ve held my feet to the fire, reminding me that I am

If I’ve ever forgotten my problems in your presence

If you’ve taken them on as your own

If you’ve trusted me with your secrets

And made me safe enough to share mine

If you could make a list of my weaknesses and failures, but don’t

If you tell me the truth, even when I don’t want to hear it

And encourage me, even though I shouldn’t need it

If you’ve forgiven me more than twice

If you’ve ever taught me what I didn’t know, given me a shot I didn’t earn, or guided me when I felt lost

If you’ve shared with me the benefit of your hard work

Or challenged me to think beyond myself or this day

If you say nice things about me behind my back

If you see something good in me that I can’t quite make out for myself just yet…

Thank you.

I’m grateful for you. Not just the regular “let’s hurry up and eat” kind of grateful. I’m profoundly thankful for you. As I consider my many blessings, I count you among the greatest of them all.

For old friends who’ve left an indelible mark that can’t be erased by time or distance,

And new ones that carry a key to a door that’s been locked to me

For friends who feel like family,

And family I’d choose as friends,

I’m grateful and keenly aware of how different life would be – and I would be – without you in it.

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This Post Has 14 Comments

  1. Sean White

    Soothing and thoughtful words, Chance. Thankful, today, that, through all my years of poor decision-making, God has led me to a safe and happy place where I am able to serve as an instrument in His good works…so many beginnings! And, yes, if you can’t count the trust of a true friend at the end of the day…cherish that
    gift, always.

    1. Chance

      Beautiful words, Sean. And it’s kind of amazing when you think about it…After you get through seasons of hurt or hurting yourself, you realize that even the pain is FOR something. Something beautiful – that ends up blessing you and the world around you. It’s comforting to know that even our pain and mistakes can sincerely work for our benefit in time.

  2. Don McAllister

    What a great list! It’s so true that a true friend is worth more than gold. Happy thanksgiving!

    1. Chance

      Happy Thanksgiving, Don! And Merry Christmas! :)

  3. Cindy Barclay

    I jumped over here from twitter! Absolutely beautiful list. Giving thanks- with every breath we take, every heart beat- our lives can pour out our thanks for His goodness and grace! His love never ends! Blessings!

    1. Chance

      Thanks for your kind words, Cindy! I’m glad you stopped by. Hope to see you again. :)

  4. Gay Idle

    Just came over from a recommendation from twitter. Love your list of thanks. Really resonates within me. It challenges me to think on a deeper level the the reasons I am so thankful for all of the people, friends and family, God has brought in to my life! Thank you for that challenge!
    blessings,
    Gay Idle/CaptiveHeart

    1. Chance

      So glad to have you stop by. You nailed my goal – to help us all look at life through a different lens as we move forward. I hope you’ll come again. :) Nice to meet you!

  5. Diane W. Bailey

    Love you friend!

    1. Chance

      Love you too, Diane. :)

  6. Janet Harllee

    Thank YOU Chance for your awe inspiring blog posts! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
    Janet Harllee Speaks

    1. Chance

      Thank YOU, Janet! You’re a source of constant encouragement wisdom and FUN!

  7. Steve

    That was one fine piece of writing. Here’s another blessing you have. You get to be a channel for those words. There’s not much better than that.

    1. Chance

      Thanks so much, Steve. :) Very kind words.

Comments are closed.