A Day of Thanks

With all the hustle and bustle of the past couple of weeks, with all of the excitement of Microsoft's PILGF, and with the load we all undoubtedly came back to at school because of our travels, today is a great day to take a seat, sit back, and be thankful for everything that we have been so blessed with. 

I am reminded of the first Day of Thanksgiving under our Consitution, when George Washington, as our first President, declared a day to give thanks to God and take rest.  The traditional day, of course, was declared by one of our greatest leaders, President Abraham Lincoln, to be the fourth Thursday of November.  Please take a moment to read his original declaration here:  http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-alincoln-tgiving.html. 

To bring us back to our current times, the question becomes:  What am I thankful for?

Firstly, I am so thankful for God's presence in our lives, and that he gives us wisdom and ability to glorify him daily.  Thank you Lord for the freedoms we live with and the blessing of being in the United States and the prosperity we live in.

Secondly, I am thankful for my family.  My wife is such a God-send, pushing me to be a better man and respecting me for who I am, even when my mistakes shine through.  Our little girl Vivian is so beautiful and such a good kid.  God has truly blessed us with her.  Our primary and extended families are also so loving and caring.


I am also thankful for the time we have had in Alaska.  Even though we are moving to Colorado soon, I have had the privilege of truly experiencing Alaska, from hunting moose, bear, caribou, etc to teaching Hunter Education and Winter Survival courses at -40 degrees.  The fishing has also been something I remain thankful for.  God blessed us with such an abundant supply of both fish and game meat that we were giving it away by the boxful.  He provided for others through us, and that I am thankful for.

Next, I am thankful for my profession and work involving children.  It is truly an honor to be involved with the youth of our country.  If we want to truly transform our country at its base, the schools are where it has to begin.  We must not forget to instruct them properly in the history and culture of our country so that we keep our identity and freedoms.  I also had a wonderful time at the Forums this year sponsored by Microsoft.  What a great experience!  It was great to be thanked in such a grand manner.

Last, but certainly not least, I am so thankful to be a US citizen in the greatest country on Earth.  I pray we can come out of our current rut and sustain our prosperity and ability to do good as a country.  Thank the Lord that we can spread good and be the force against evil in this world.  Most of all, thank the soldiers and armed forces that secure our freedom and keep us free of the encumbrances that many of the world live in, including oppression, lack of food, corrupt governments, and the like.  Being in DC on Veteran's Day at the Laying of the Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier truly woke me up to the sacrifices so many have made to keep us free.

Many thanks to all of my friends and people who have pushed me to be a better person and Christian man.  I love you all and only pray that I can see you once again!

Jason