Birthdays and Thanksgiving…

I like to ponder things.  I am always thinking about something, always trying to solve something or to improve something.  Generaly, the target of my thoughts would be my life and actions.  This past week was my birthday.  My son sang a few lines from “Old Man River”.  I was only mildly amused.  

My birthday is a good point to have my own personal state of the union.  First, I check to see if all of my body parts are intact and still functioning.  This year most of the parts are still working well.  My right side is doing a bit better this year than the left.  I really do need to have that shoulder looked.

Next I like to check to see if all my mental bits are still in order and working.  Do I still like to learn new things?  Check.  Do I still remember and apply a good bit of what I have learned? Check.  Do I still find wonder in God’s creation and does it amaze me?  Check.  Did something I read or studied in God’s word change me in someway? Check.

After my mental check list I move on to making sure I have not lost any valuable relationships.  Wife.  Check.  Have I mentioned that she is very lovely and makes a great best friend.  Sons.  Check  I have mentioned how proud I am of them and all they have managed to learn and accomplish.  Parents.  Check.  Check and check.  I am reminded that I should check on my Mom and Jeanne’s parents more often.  My birthday reminds me that time with them is a gift to be treasured.  Grandma Purkey….  A grand Christian saint.  One more reason to look forward to heaven.  She give a great welcome hug.

Purpose, I belive you should check your purpose for living as well.   To bring glory and honor to God.  Ok, I want to do more here next year.  My birthday reminds me that life is a wonder daily gift from God and He has a plan and a purpose and it somehow involves me.  I understand the role of being a bench player given the opportunity to be in the game.  It is great when the coach is your Father.  I think you dig a little deeper just to get the “nod”.

Oh, gifts.  Yes, check.  Coffee from Italy.  You, just dont get that at Woods Super Maket in Bolivar you know.  Why someone would lug a can of coffee all the way from Italy is the real gift.   Mario Cart for the Wii and a hundred races with the boys.  The real gift if the invitation from my sons to come and play.  I savor those races.  I relish it when I win.   Expresso machine from my wife.  I think she just wants a cup of my coffee.  I think I can trade coffee of kisses.  Oh, wait she just gives those to me.  Got to love the married moments.

Yeah, I have a birthday that every now and then falls on Thanksgiving day.  But, hey why wait I will be thankful early.  Oh, did I mention that we had my Mom and Peppie (her dog) over for Thanksgiving and we had lasguna and apple pie just like the pilgrams.  Well that is my story.  Got to love it when a plan comes together.