The kitchen is still warm from Sunny’s hours of food prep. The meal has been made and consumed; the mess has been cleaned up; and the leftovers are in the fridge. The football game is on in the background while everyone rests — even the dogs.

Today is Thanksgiving Day, my favorite holiday.

And today, I have so much gratitude in my heart.

I’m grateful to be surrounded by my family today. I know there will likely be years when it won’t work out for all five of us to be together on Thanksgiving Day. But that knowledge actually makes this blessing that much sweeter. So grateful to be able to spend this day in my home with my people.

I’m grateful for the life I get to live with Sunny. She is absolutely the best and I thank God for her.

Eight days out from surgery, I’m thankful for the care I have received from doctors and nurses. Two weeks ago, I woke up at 3am to abdominal and back pain. After a trip to the ER, I found out that I have gallstones and surgery was scheduled for a few days later. I feel great now — in fact, I don’t think I realized how bad I was feeling until having this surgery.

I’m also grateful for the care and concern we’ve received from our church family at Mayfair. We’ve had so many people calling and texting to check on us after my surgery. I’m so grateful for these relationships that we have as a part of this tremendous church family. Mayfair, your support of us is one of the great blessings of our lives.

Today I’m celebrating with a heart full of gratitude. I am thankful for my family, my friends, my health, my church, all the blessings that God has so freely given to us.

Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17