We’ll take a break from the usual Springboard for Your Professional Life to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Today I’m thankful.

I’m thankful for the life God has given me, both physically and spiritually through Jesus Christ.

I’m thankful for the 12 years I got to spend with my Mom.

I’m thankful for the nearly 27 years I got to spend with my Dad.

I’m thankful for the 23 years and counting I have been able to spend with Linda (my step-mom, for those of you who don’t know).

I’m thankful for the 14 years and counting I have been able to spend with Marita (my wife) and the fact that she puts up with me when I screw things up so badly. I’m also thankful that she has forgiven me every time I have had to ask her no matter how serious or trivial the offense.

I’m thankful for Brad and Christopher, my brothers. I’m thankful Brad still survives in Afghanistan and I’m thankful Christopher survived the motorcycle wreck earlier this year and that he is walking again.

I’m exceedingly thankful for the 11 years I’ve had with Tessa, the 9 years with Ethan, the 6 years with Ryan and the 1 year with Trina. I’m thankful they are all healthy and growing properly. I’m thankful that even though they have all been hurt at one time or another, none of them have been maimed or killed.

I’m thankful for every member of my family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. (and even in-laws). I’m even thankful for the fusses, fights, feuds, troubles, hurts as well as the good times, the fun, the love because all of these things together have helped me be what I am. Certainly, I’m not exactly where I would like to be. However, I am exactly where God wants me to be and able to grow in that because of my experiences with my family.

I’m thankful for my grandparents, on both sides. Without their hard work, my parents would not have been what they were and I would not be what I am.

I’m thankful for my wife’s parents. Without them, I would have no wife. I’m thankful for the 13 years I was able to know to Steve Bobbitt (my father-in-law). I’m thankful for the great example he set for me as a father, husband, Christian and preacher. I’m thankful that he loved my wife so much. I’m thankful for the 14 years and counting I’ve known Leilani Baker and I look forward to better years to come.

I’m thankful for Adam, Seth and Rebekah, my wife’s brothers and sister. Recounting the memories they have created with Marita are some of the funnest times we have.

I’m thankful for my brother-in-law Nathan. His patience with me and his example as a preacher and Christian keep me humble and on the right track. I’m thankful for my sister-in-law Natalie. Her spiritual focus is an example for the entire family. I’m thankful for my sister-in-law Nicole. Without her I wouldn’t have my niece and nephew, Landon and Victoria.

I’m thankful for my health. I nearly died as an infant. I had about 10 surgeries before I was 10. But now, I’m getting along fine.

I’m thankful that I have never gone hungry, except by choice. I’ve never slept outside, except by choice. I’ve never had to walk where I’m going, except by choice.

I’m thankful I’ve been able to travel all over the U.S. and lived in England.

I’m thankful that I’ve met thousands of people whose tiny interactions have helped shape me.

I’m thankful for the numerous good friends who have patiently put up with me over the years. I want to list some, but I’m afraid I’ll neglect some on here and then I’ll be in trouble. You know who you are.

I’m thankful for the Franklin Church of Christ in Franklin, TN who let me preach for them each week despite how imperfect I am.

I’m thankful for all the mistakes I’ve made. I know, that is a bit surprising. However, it is the mistakes that have let me know I need Jesus. That is where I have found the most peace, serenity and happiness. Without my mistakes, I would still be simply relying on me.

I’m thankful for this opportunity to share my thanks with you.

For what are you thankful?