2010 Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving holiday rest. I might even watch a football game tomorrow. This has been a strange few months for my family and I with my knee issues. Here are some things I am thankful for in light of my current situation:

1. A sovereign God- my situation has been ordained by Someone who is wiser than I and knows exactly what I need.

2. A servant wife and family- this situation causes lots of inconvenience for my family. I can't drive for a month. I can't put weight on this leg at all, so my boys have to fetch lots of stuff for me when I'm home. When I'm home, I'm basically stuck in the recliner, etc. etc.

3. Health Insurance- I wasn't quite prepared to meet this year's deductible within a month. That's a bit of a financial strain on us. I think we'll hit it early again next year which will be more money... However, my insurance covers the vast majority of the huge bills I'm racking up. I'd be destitute without it.

4. Dr. Vincent Key- Though I hardly know him, he spent years and lots of money training to fix injuries like mine. I'm thankful for his expertise as a doctor and surgeon.

5. Faithful and capable co-laborers at RPC- Nathan, Brian, and Jon are solid brothers, but this situation has served to make that more obvious to me. The elders are also strong, stable, leaders who have always given me great support and encouragement-especially over the last 6 weeks.

6. An old buck who decided to take the path that led him to walk in front of me (of course, this has to do with #1) just 2 days before my surgery. He lived a good life. Heck, he was breeding a doe shortly before my arrow passed through both his lungs. That's not a bad way to go out, right? Hey, he'll live forever now- on my wall.

7. Some down time- Usually I'm pretty busy the second half of November through December. A mixture of church and school events coupled with getting out to hunt many mornings, makes this time hectic and not very relaxed. This year, I've spent lots of time in my seat reading, studying, emailing, blogging, talking, and thinking. I think it has been good for me and has actually enhanced my teaching a bit.

8. Friends- On one hand I'm tired of talking about my situation, on the other hand I am overwhelmed with the care that has been expressed. All the attention has been humbling. I am blessed with many people who care about me greatly.

9. My Mac laptop- There, I said it. It's been sweet. Way better than a PC.

10. Health- This knee issue is small potatoes in the greater scheme of things. It's a big deal to me right now, but whenever I get down, I think about the reasonable surety that I will get better. So many dear brothers and sisters in Christ suffer from chronic ailments that seem to have no earthly cure. At this point, my situation is temporary. I am more appreciative of the health God gives because of this situation. I also pray more ardently for those who truly suffer.