Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanks Given








Thanksgiving may be my favorite holiday of them all. Because it is in my favorite season of the year that helps. But it always conjures up a sentiment in my heart of a really peaceful and centered feeling. Everything feels connected and in place, as it should be.

The funny thing about Thanksgiving for me is that it is also a reminder to me to be not only thankful for the gifts in my life, but to also share that thanks with the people who make my life so wonderful. Often this is a stark reminder that I may not be as generous with thanks and appreciation as I would like to think that I am.

So in an effort to start the holiday off right, I want to make sure that I give thanks here for the wonders of my world.

My wife is an angel, there is simply no other way to put it. She is the most beautiful, caring, and loving person that I have ever known. Sharing each day with her is a blessing. She makes me a better person and a better father. She is my best friend, the love of my life, and the wonderful mother of our children. Saying thanks to her is an injustice to all that she gives me and our family.

My son, there are no words that can explain what he means to me and how thankful I am to share life with him. He grips a piece of my heart and soul that only a child can, it is my lifes pleasure to spend time with him.

Our little one that is on the way. April 21st we are expecting another miracle into our lives. I am so thankful to be blessed with a growing family and trusted with another beautiful life in our lives. Thank you for all of the joy and love you have already brought us. Again, there are no words that can symbolize what you already mean to me. My promise to you is that I will give you all of me, your world will be built around love.

My dogs, I would be remiss if I left them out. Everyday they model to me what unconditional love is. When I think of them I am reminded of a very important Latin phrase in my life, Semper Fidelis (always faithful). They embody this perfectly, always faithful and always loving. They provide a unique gift that only animals can to me and our family. Our lives would be incomplete without them. Thanks to you girls, I know that often times your contributions to our lives our unsung. But you are critical in the fabric of our lives, I promise you will enjoy a part of the Thanksgiving dinner as a token of our appreciation for you and all that you bring to us.

To everyone else whose life touches mine, thank you for sharing in my life, and allowing me to share in yours. Often the appreciation that I have for you goes unspoken, but you are a part of all that is good in my life and for that I am eternally thankful. As our journey continues I look forwad to sharing of our life, and in sharing the tremendous gifts of yours.

Live Well, Laugh Often, and Love Much!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

My how the last month has just flown by. It has been a while since I have posted, I attribute that to not taking the time to let life inspire me to share. Somehow I have managed to let life's hectic pace take me from reflecting on the joy, to thinking about what else I need to be doing.

I realized this last night at a potluck that our son's daycare was having. We were playing and there were several older children that my son was playing with. He was so full of just wonderful joy and energy...... It was such a wonderful sight to see. It made me realize that I hadn't been taking advantage of every moment that life presents me to enjoy and celebrate just how wonderful things are. He was so alive in the moment, he showed me just what I hadn't been doing. He was squeezing the moment for all it was worth, not worrying about what was coming next, just enjoying the moment.

In those seconds I had a wow moment, I realized that I have been too busy worrying about what I wasn't getting done instead of focusing on what is right in front of me to be enjoyed.

I have let life get complex instead of keeping it simple. This was a great reminder to simplify my focus and let go of what is out of my control. Which made me think of the quote I read recently, "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much".

3 thing's to keep front of mind to ensure that your time is spent on pieces of life that deserve your attention. The rest has always taken care of itself and will continue to do so without you worrying about them.