A Reason to Give Thanks

 

Being thankful should be a daily way of life.  But most of the time it is easier to gripe or complain instead of being thankful.  I have a lot to be grateful for this week and I will try to show it to all I meet. 

Twenty-four and ½ years ago, when I met Charles, I never dreamed I’d get to celebrate his 90^th birthday with him.  This week on Wednesday night, thirteen of us will celebrate in person and five will join us online for the big event. He does not look or act his age but appears to be  at least ten years younger. 

His last big party occurred when he turned 70.  This will be a Covid party—smaller crowd wearing masks but still with a good reason to celebrate.  The only problem I have with that date is that it is the day before Thanksgiving.

Our granddaughter, Rose from Canada is visiting with us for a few weeks while she looks for a job in the Atlanta area.  Her help pulling it all off will be invaluable.  She will help decorate, help pick up the cake, and bar-b-que. I will make the sides on Tuesday and the casseroles for Thanksgiving on Wednesday.  So much to do—so little time.

During Charles’ ninety years he has seen and done a lot. His active military service during the Korean War send him to California servicing airplanes for the battle. Forty years working for Lockheed Martin and other aerospace companies and twenty-four years in his own aerospace company equals 64 years of effort.  During that time, he earned three college degrees in aerospace engineering and business administration. He filed and received two important patents to overcome airplane drag and increase time on mission.  Because of Covid, he decided to take unanticipated retirement to figure out what he wants to do next in life.

We are struggling to finish the last of his biography, Chasing a Whirlwind.  Once the rush of the holidays has passed, it looks a little easier to spend time writing.  Just maybe, 2021 will not be as hectic and disrupting as 2020.  We will try to be thankful for each day as it comes. 

I know a lot of you are stuck at home and not able to travel to be with family or friends for Thanksgiving. We are glad many of our folks are local. I hope despite it all, you will find many reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving.  I am always reminded of the Bible verse in Philippians.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7