Today I am thankful for...

It happens every year...to all of us...whether we like it or not...

It's our birthday...and today I am 492 months old (that's 41 years if you're trying to do the math in your head).  Personally, I don't really care to celebrate my birthday.  It's not because I dread getting older...really, I'm very thankful that I've made it another year...it's simply that I don't particularly like being the center of attention.  Some people like it.  Some people thrive on it.  Heck, some people even NEED it.  I'm just not one of those people.  Let someone else have the limelight...that is just fine with me.

But today, as I celebrate 41 years, I got to thinking...and that can be scary and/or dangerous for me.  What do I want for my birthday?  We get asked this question all the time...for our birthdays, for Father's/Mother's Day, for Christmas, etc.  We are so focused on the material aspect of these holidays.  Yes, there are some things that I want, and that I did ask for.  But as I thought more about it, I realized that I have already received the most precious gifts that I could ever ask for.  So today, I want to say 'Thank you' to those who have given me things that I can NEVER thank enough:

1.  I want to thank my parents for the gift of life...and my Mother, especially, for raising me like she did...most often a single Mom.  Without her, I wouldn't be here, and wouldn't be who I am today.  That, I can never repay.

2.  I want to thank my God above for His most gracious give of grace and mercy.  He alone knows just how broken and messed up I am...but yet He still sent He own Son to give His live to pay for mine.  That, I can never earn or repay.

3.  I want to thank my wife and daughter for giving me the gift of being a Dad and husband.  Those two jobs are the best, and most challenging, I've ever had...and I wouldn't trade them for the world.  That, I can never repay.

4.  I want to thank my family and friends for your gifts of love and friendship all these years.  Each and every one of you have made a difference in my life...no matter how big or small...and have helped mold and shape me into who I am today.  That, I can never repay.

So instead of focusing on what I 'want' for my birthday, I want to say 'THANK YOU' to you ALL for everything that you have given to me all these years, and continue to give me each and every day.

And my birthday wish is that...that God will bless each and every one of you...in His own time...and in His own way.

Mixed up prioities...

It's been a while, I know, but things have been a bit hectic.  Talk about struggling with time.  Dance competition season has started, and it seems like the days, and weeks, just run into one.  Then, horror of horrors, my daughter turned 13.  I am happy to report that I lived through that birthday week.  It was touch and go there for a while, I have to admit.  A couple of times, I didn't know if it was going to be her or me.  :)   For my daughter's birthday, I had the 'brilliant' idea to have a dance party for her 13th birthday.  What started out to be a simple party idea turned into quite the project...and over 16 hours later on the day of the party, I was ready for it to be over.  But after all was said and done, we all had a blast...and I have decided that until her Sweet 16, all she is getting for her birthday is a nice card and a pat on the back.  :)

But I digress...back to the topic at hand...

I have been thinking about how we have all different types of Halls of Fame and Walks of Fame for entertainers and athletes at whom we throw millions of dollars...daily...and idolize for their God-given talents.  But where is this same adoration...this same support...this same enthusiasm for those that protect and serve us on a daily basis, who ensure that we are able to go on 'worshiping' singers, actors and athletes?  Where are the Halls of Fame for our service men and women?  Our police officers?  Our first responders?  Our doctors, medics and nurses?  Our teachers?  Yes, we have an 'appreciation day' for these...but what about the rest of the days?  We definitely have our priorities backwards.  We  idolize those that entertain us, and take for granted those that serve us.  It should be the other way around.  I am just as guilty as anyone...even as a 20+ year veteran.  I need to do more to show my respect and gratitude for those that selflessly serve.  And hopefully through my actions, and not just my words, my daughter will herself start prioritizing service (and those who serve) more, and entertainment (and those who entertain) less.

We have to start somewhere to turn this around...and ourselves, and the next generation, is the best place I can think of.