It is a tradition at CFTT. I list the top ten things I am thankful for. So, here is my list. Feel free to create your own and include it in the comments.
By the way, this is in no particular order.
Family
If you don’t have a good family, I am sorry. Mine isn’t perfect, but they have proven much in the past year. I am glad to be near them again and get be a part of the lives of my nephew and two nieces. The holiday season will be much better this year!
Church
I could include my faith here, but it is strained at the time being. It is church that keeps me from falling away. The folks at the church where I am a member embrace me and help me to hang on. Most churches are like this, but, as churches, we need to be more loving to our own and accept that life is hard for our members and we just need to be hugged! And loved.
Friends
Sometimes I complain that I don’t have any. I do. There are different kinds. There are friends from Texas where I lived for 13 years. There are new friends in Conway, AR, where I live now. There are friends from high school and college and there are “virtual friend” from my social networking online.
From Texas, there are friends like Lester Meriwether and Alex Martinez. Lester runs a faith-based literacy education ministry. He is a terrific example of a friend who cares for others as well as his wonderful family.
Alex is a salesman, but don’t let the fool you. He is an honest guy who cares for his family, his church and his friends. He and his wife Diana are big supporters of their church as well as the DFW Avengers semi-pro football team.
I have reconnected with old friends from my hometown like Robert Treadway. In spite of his struggles the past 20+ years, Robert is making his way and poised to write some future country hits. His tenacity is contagious.
I have new friends like Cotton Rohrschieb and the guys at Conway Co-Work. I look up to them in design techniques and value their friendship. Cotton isn’t just a great website designer, but he is also the “life of the party.” I don’t know anyone who has as many funny stories (usually of himself!) to tell at a moment’s notice.
Finally, there are my “virtual friends” such as John Boehler. John runs the Nebraska Sports Journal. He is an avid reader, a man of faith, a father and a huge sports fan, especially in all things Nebraska related. I have enjoyed knowing John throughout the past couple of years.
Part II is tomorrow
