In case you didn’t know, on Thursday this week we celebrate our Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. And, to mark the occasion this year, my buddy Luke Gedeon is running a very special group writing project: Seven Things I am Thankful For.

Not wanting to pass this one up, I decided to take a shot at it. If you’d like to play along (and I heartily encourage you to do so), just write up your own list of seven things (or more… or less, whatever) you’re thankful for and make sure you link back to his original post.

And so, without further ado (because as you know, further do would make no sense whatsoever) I give you:

Seven Things I Am Thankful For

[Note: Click on the photos for a larger view]

My Faith – The first – and by far most significant – thing I’m thankful for is the fact that when I became a Christian just slightly more than 36 years ago, God gave me a new lease on life, if you get my meanin’. I’ll tell ya what, Bubba; for that incredible gift, I will be eternally grateful; far beyond what mere words could ever express!

My Spouse – I am incredibly thankful for the fact that nearly 27 years ago, Mrs. MZM looked deeply into my eyes and said those fateful words: “Bob, I’d like you to meet my friend, XXX.” Yup, that’s right; she was so impressed with yours truly, she tried everything she could to turn my attentions to someone else! But lucky for her (that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!), I’m not one to give up easily! The rest, as they say, is history.

My Life – One lesson that comes with a bit of, er, marinatin’, is that life is most definitely worth living! Strangely enough, that’s something I never knew back when I was still a young whippersnapper (defined here as under 30). In fact, I’m not sure it’s even possible for a younger person (relatively speaking, of course) to truly grasp that knowledge until they’ve been around a while longer. Oh, don’t get me wrong; my life has definitely had its ups and downs. But if – no, make that when – I manage to keep the right attitude, hey, it’s all good.

My Family – I’ll be the first to admit that my family relationship is not picture-perfect. But still; it’s not like we’re the Barrones, or anything (er, they put the fun back in dysfunctional.) After everything is said and done, though, the mark they’ve made on my life is indisputable. I’m grateful for the lessons learned (not to mention the things they let me, shall we say, experiment with). The truth is, I wouldn’t be the me I am today if things had been any different.

My Friends – Over the last 10 years or so, I’ve come to know some very special folks, both off- and online, who’ve been a veritable gusher of support, ideas and encouragement. I’ll tell ya; there were a few times I wondered how I’d make it through (like during that 4-year period of unemployment), but these folks were there for me! And now, with the relatively recent addition of my online friends, it just keeps on gettin’ better and better. I consider myself well and truly blessed to know y’all!

My Job – I’m always amazed when I consider how I ended up doing the particular job I do these days (I’m an engineering project manager). I mean, who woulda thunk it, y’know? Especially when I consider the somewhat haphazard way I got here after such a uncertain start! Still, what I do came about in the very same way who I am did – each day builds upon the one before. In the same way, what I do now is built upon the many things I tried (and failed at) and accomplished over the years.

My Writing – Finally, of the things I do these days, my ability (not to mention the opportunity) to write has been a constant source of amazement to me. Who knew, just a few short years ago, that writing was in my blood? I sure didn’t! But thanks to the encouragement of a few special friends, I’m getting more and more comfortable with it all the time. It’s not quite time for that Great American Novel yet, but I can feel it in my bones – there’s something in there, waiting to come out! We’ll see…

It’s Your Turn Now

So, what things are you thankful for?

Why not join us for this wonderful writing project? It’s only running through Wednesday, November 26^th, so I’m afraid you’ll have to hurry. All links will be posted at Luke’s place on Thanksgiving Day.

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Photo Credits:

Thanksgiving image via Wikipedia

Belsen Cross 2 b&w, by Jasmic

Siberian Wedding, by Gentil Garçon

Garlic roasted marinade

vintage family photo: everyone plus the dog, by freeparking

Friends Forever, by automania

Classic “not my job” image, by Simon Davidson

The writer, by photocapy

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