Friday, November 28, 2008

Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving, I really try to look at my life and see all the good. There is so much freakin' good. Even though I complain sometimes, and feel lost sometimes...there is still so. much. good.

Yesterday, I sat in Starbucks and decided I would write "Thank You" notes to people who have made me who I am today. I think one of my gifts in life is my ability to say and write things to make people feel encouraged, and I don't think I use it enough.

I sat down and wrote a letter to my grandpa on my dad's side. He is an amazing man. He wakes up at dawn every day and prays for everyone in my family. By name. He has been praying for me every day since the day I was born. That's pretty powerful. He's hilarious because every note he writes to me for either my birthday or Christmas concludes with something to the effect of "I hope you can find a woman who is deserving of your love." I think he wants to be alive when I get married, since I'm the last grandkid unmarried. I hope he can be there...but I guess I can't see the future. He's getting pretty old.

I also wrote to my grandma on my mom's side. My grandpa, her husband of about 60 years, died a couple months ago. He was a strong man. I'm sure she doesn't really know what life is supposed to be like without him, nor should she. I thanked her for her joy and love in my life. I think my grandpa would really want me to be constantly reminding her of how much God loves her, because he wants to see her again soon.

I wrote to my parents. I don't even know where to start with them. Two of the most amazing people I've ever known. I mean, most people love their parents, but I've truly been blessed with two people that if I can follow in their footsteps somehow, I will know I did something right. They have given me all I have, from love to respect, from discipline to affection, and I owe them everything.

I wrote to my best friend, Jim. He's been by my side since I was about 16...and even though I haven't gotten to spend more than a few weeks in the same place as him in the last six years, we have a connection that I think all people should have with someone else in their lifetime. I intend to die with him my best friend still (heck, you may be reading this right now...so don't get a big head, punk).

I wrote to a couple of guys who formed my faith and ideals in high school, pushing me toward the man I want to be today, yet still fall short of. Cory and Phil were examples of faithfulness and lives led in the intention of doing God's will, even when it wasn't easy. I rarely talk to either of them anymore, but they will always have an undeniable spot in my heart, because I owe much of my personal understanding of what's important in life to them.

I have so much more to be thankful than that...but that was a taste of what came to mind. I think when we live a life of thankfulness, it helps us get through the hard times. If you think of people in your life who seem to be happy, it may not be because they HAVE the most stuff, or KNOW the most people, or HAVE the best jobs. Its people who are thankful for what they do have, and never lose sight of what's most important to them.

I have great people around me...not just geographically, but more so with the touch of a few buttons I can be connected to someone I truly love and who loves me back. That's amazing.

So, if you're reading this, think of the things you have to be thankful for...even if things may seem to suck today, or this week, or even this year. I know how you feel. But life is bigger than that. And a change of focus can bring the clarity to make it through the day.

Much love.

2 Comments:

Blogger Farmer Heath said...

Tyler, well said.

5:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks"

so...you did good, ty :)


...dlh

3:08 PM  

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