As I began my worship time this morning while journaling I was compelled to write out my thanks to Jesus. As I was doing so I began to realize something I’d never given thought to. My childhood and my early adult years were ones that started with abuse and then the next 10 years were hiding within the shell of a man who was shackled from it. However, at the age of 31 I was introduced to my wife Kathy and at that point in time my life began to turn around. With Kathy I was introduced to a home filled with honesty, vulnerability that wasn’t threatening and intimacy.

In the next 42 years God has abundantly blessed me. Our children and grandchildren all know God and love Him. I have lived more years finding freedom and living in this freedom than I ever lived in the bondage of my past. Yes, breaking free from that bondage was no easy task, but I learned deeply the support system I have and how to trust in them. Those years often felt like torment, but there was a LIGHT at the end of a tunnel which I could see with Hope. God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit are at the top of this Thanksgiving list, but Kathy is the one who has faithfully shown me what trust looks like that doesn’t let fear dominate it. I needed that!

As I step into this Thanksgiving week, I do so with immense gratitude. God has never left my side and I never want to leave His. I simply want to be a good, humble and faithful servant for Him!