Thursday, November 26, 2009

What I'm Thankful For

I woke up this morning in an incredibly thankful mood. Since that doesn't happen very often (although I desperately wish it did) I decided to write a few things down. These are the things I'm thankful for:

-I am thankful for my God. I am thankful that he has a name, Yahweh. I am thankful that he is a man, Jesus. I am thankful that he has revealed himself in history, but I am most thankful that he reveals himself now. I am thankful that faith is kind of like cliff jumping: It looks silly, scary and stupid until you try it and realize that the reality of the act comes to you during the experience. Only those that have taken the plunge understand, appreciate, and live for it. I am thankful that ultimately we relate to God in relationship. Not a one-way relationship, but a living, breathing, intimate and life-giving relationship. I am thankful that the Lord has shown himself to me and that no matter what happens in my life I could never "un-believe" in him. It is just like having a conversation with someone, walking away and trying to convince yourself that they don't exist. It just can't happen.

-I am thankful for my wife Brittany. I am thankful for her heart, her courage, and her spirit. I am thankful that I am joined together with her in this journey of life. Wow. I am thankful and in awe of her faith. I am thankful for her joy and laughter. I am thankful for the way that she mirrors the love of God in being a mother. (Side note: I am thankful that she's the best cook in the whole wide world and it is awesome to watch her creativity and skill come out in the things she makes with such ease and delicacy)

-I am thankful for my son Cooper. I am thankful for the way in which his youthfulness and joy mirrors the spirit and nature of the Lord. I am thankful that he has shown me the true meaning of having faith like a child. I am thankful for his tender heart and his innocence. I am thankful that he is growing into a strong, smart, and caring little boy. I am thankful that he has such a wonderful support system of love around him. I am thankful that the Lord has chosen him for a wonderful purpose that I get to play a part in bringing about and watching unfold.

-I am thankful for the rest of my family. I am thankful for my mother, father, brother, sister, step-father, step-mother, father in-law, mother in-law, step-father in-law, grandparents in-laws (sp?), brothers in-laws and the rest of my amazing extended family. I am thankful for the way in which marriage brings about connections and unity not only with an added family, but with the family you've always had. I have come to have such an appreciation for the way I was raised and the way that the Lord redeemed hard situations to bring about his glory and to shower love on me.

-I am thankful for my job. I am thankful that the Lord has chosen me to bring his hope and love to middle schoolers in Boulder. I love that. I love the kids that I am currently walking with, and have gotten the privilege to walk with over the last 7 years. I am thankful for the place where I work. I am thankful that First Pres has such a commitment to the next generation, and shows their commitment where it counts the most and costs them the most. That is the measure of support. I am thankful for the people I work with. They are wonderful examples of God's love.

-I am thankful for this season.

1 comment:

Peter Citarella said...

Will - all who read this are thankful for your loving heart and your willingness to share it willingly and unabashedly with the world - in Boulder and beyond. Happy first Thanksgiving to the "new" Burger family and may God continue to bless you (and us)in all that you do.