Thinking of much to be thankful for today. I rode out to get a little gas in the truck. On the way I passed a homeless guy. I really tried to help him a few years ago -- get a job, and all that he needed to live a normal type of life. He eventually disappeared again for a while. Later I saw him and he told me that "this was the only way he knew how to live" (i.e. living in a tent in the woods, visiting soup kitchens, working various jobs here and there.). His mom was a friend, a great lady, and has long since passed. Very thankful to have a roof over my head, and family coming today to celebrate all the goodness God has poured into our lives. I'm looking down on him -- I'd help him in a minute today if I knew I could help him see lasting change in his life.
Another thing I thought of was a guy I passed on the way back. He's a drug dealer guy. I used to be an addict. He was hooking up a deal at a certain place. Pretty obvious to a guy like me. I thought of day gone by when I could not live without that fix or that high. I am very thankful to be sober and that my family doesn't have to deal with the fears and scars of all that addiction brings this time of year. Addictions don't take the day off on Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays. My sister in law overdosed right after we left my mother in laws house after Christmas a few years ago. She shot up and went into cardiac arrest -- the EMT's gave her a narcan treatment. So, there is quite a bit to be thankful for. Hope you and yours have a great Thanksgiving celebration.