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.