Project: Seven Things I’m Thankful For

He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. – Romans 14:6

photo by hryckowian

I’m taking time this post to participate in another writing project. Since this Thursday is a day set aside for Thanksgiving here in the US. This project is a list of seven things I am thankful for. No, I’m not just thankful for these seven things, and these are not in any order nor priority (except for one).

It’s a wonderful project idea and I wish it were mine, but it’s not. It’s an idea formed and put into place by Luke Gedeon in his post, aptly titled, Seven Things I am Thankful For.

So, come with me…..

My Relationship with God – This is the exception mentioned earlier.  This is THE greatest “thing” that I am thankful for.  I’ve known this fellow, God, all my life.  Until this year though, when he pulled me from the depths of hell and I let him walk with me, I didn’t really KNOW God.  Now, I don’t want to not have the relationship we’ve built.  It truly is a blessing.

My Children - Life just wouldn’t be the same without them.  I’ve missed some of their growth over the years as I fought my demon.  I missed some things that that I shouldn’t have.  It’s OK though.  I mean, it’s not OK, but I mean, I’m not dead yet and neither are they.  I’ve still time. I love my children.  My children love me.

My Immediate Family – My mom and dad never stopped loving me when they didn’t know what was going on in my life.  Why I wouldn’t talk to them?  Why I didn’t visit?  They didn’t have the answer.  Yet, through it all, they never stopped being my Mom and Dad.  As scared as I was to face them, to approach them, with my demon, they never backed away.  They met me and assisted me through all my life to be able to fight my fights and choose my army (God).  Without them, well, obviously I wouldn’t be me, but I wouldn’t be ME.

My Old Life – As sick and twisted as it was, I can not but be thankful for my horrid past.  I can not but be thankful I was made to go to church, to meet God. I can not but be thankful I was an alcoholic on a twisted path full of all kinds of debris.  Stumbling daily over the same obstacles.  Shunning, no, fighting God and failing miserably.  I am stronger because of it.  I can help others, more, because of it.  Without My Old Life, I’m not Scott.

My Church Family – Our minister said a couple of weeks ago that the Christian army is one that often shoots it’s own soldiers.  Sad to say, that is exactly what I was concerned about the entire time I was in my battle with alcohol and with God.  I was afraid to approach anyone for fear of retaliation.  Looking back, it seems so silly.  NO! It was silly.  I am so thankful for this family.  I’ve never felt so much love and care from a group of people as I do now.  I’ve never wanted to return the favor as much.  They welcomed me back with open arms…wide open arms.  But it was more than a welcome.  It was..a prodigal son moment.  I don’t have ANY bullet holes.

My Material Possessions – I’m so thankful to be warm. To be sheltered.  To have a place to write these words.  For transportation to and from work.  For every single possession I have (and some I don’t know I have) I am truly thankful.

My New Life – Ahh, yes.  This new life.  Grey’s Anatomy had a line a couple of weeks ago during the opening, I think that basically said “We are born, live, and die.  Sometimes just not in that order.” I thought just how true that is.  This new Scott, the one I looked for over so many years, though not perfect, is someone that I am pleased..ecstatic…can’t find the words.  I am truly thankful for my new life.  For my ability to share it with YOU.  I know that I’ve just begun living.  I’ve got a lot of life left.  A lot of people to touch.

Well, that’s it.  Seven.  But I could go on and on about my job, my boss, YOU, my…..see, it’s neverending, but yet it must…in words anyway.

Thanks for listening.

Thanks again Luke.

Because of Him

SC