10 things I'm thankful for.

The Thanksgiving Holiday is over…. 361 days till my favorite holiday happens again. I think I had one of the most enjoyable Thanksgivings in years. But one thing I feel like I missed out on this year was really taking some time to be thankful, I mean that is what the holiday is about, isn’t it? So I’ve decided that this early Monday morning after Thanksgiving would be a good time to reflect on some of the things I have to be thankful for and to start the week with a good perspective. 1. I’m thankful for living in America. I feel like I spent a decent amount of time discussing the Occupy Movement, Politics, the Penn State situation, Capitalism, and religion this Thanksgiving. So much of the discussion seemed negative and so much of politics is frustrating to me but I appreciate that I live in a place where we have an opportunity to vote and to be educated and to create change in the system (Even if it is more difficult than I would like). 2. I’m thankful for my health. This is probably the only positive that comes out of being sick (Except for being able to skip class in college). Being healthy and having the physical ability to take part in sports and activities that I truly enjoy is something that I take for granted way too often. 3. I’m thankful for family. My family is frequently I source of stress and frustration for me but my family has also given me so many opportunities and has helped me out in so many different ways. Growing up in a home with two parents that believe in Jesus Christ, have a good work ethic, and are good stewards of their money has taught me many valuable lessons. 4. I’m thankful for my internship. Working at Principal has been a huge opportunity. I feel like I have gained so much knowledge and experience to start out my career and will most likely have an opportunity for a fresh start in a new department pretty soon. 5. I’m thankful for safety. Safety is another thing that I constantly take for granted. I’m so used to being able to leave a front door unlocked, go for a run without telling people or worrying about where I am going and for always feeling pretty safe. 6. I'm thankful for Recreational Sports. I love sports and I love having the opportunity to continue to do things that I really enjoy. 7. My living situation. I feel extremely blessed to be living in the quality of place that I live in and to be part of a group of guys that desire to be good friends and help each other out. I love that I live with guys that desire to have a special bond because we are roommates. Some of the best times I have had since moving to Des Moines have been when we have had roommate nights or house Thanksgiving. 8. I’m thankful for my Friends. I’ve been very lucky to have the number and quality of friendships that I have had. I hope that each one of those friendships will grow deeper this next year. 9. I’m thankful for Coffee and Books. I love both of those things! 10. Goal setting. Goal setting/accountability/ living life together has been a roaring fire and smoldering coals at times in my life the past 3 months. More often smoldering coals than I hope it will be moving forward. It has been a constant source of encouragement and motivation for me that has helped me to continue to pursue “True North”. I pray that it only continues to become more encouraging, motivating, helpful and challenging as we invest more time in it. Thanks for being a brother Charlie! 3 months man can’t wait to celebrate 6 (and 3 for that matter).