Giving Thanks For Proof Of God's Existence

Yes indeed … proof of God’s existence … that’s the collective term I use for everything that comes to mind this time of year, when all of us take a moment to reflect on what we’re grateful for.

Seriously; blessings prove God’s existence. What did I do to deserve them?!

I’d need pages of this newspaper to list everything that comes to mind when I think about Thanksgiving – and reflecting on what I should be thanking God for; not only now, but every moment of every day … 24/7/365. 

I am thankful, above all else, for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Next comes a bounty of other blessings. 

My daughter is at the top of that bounty. She is the light of my life, and I thank God daily for having the chance to be in her life so much longer than Dad was in mine. 

My career path is next. Why so high? It’s not because I’m a workaholic, I assure you. No; it’s because retrospect shows me that every stop on that path provided on-the-job training that prepared me to serve a bishop and the people of his diocese in a communications role. Maybe the best part of the blessing here is that God provided the “OJT” in positions that involved people and duties I really enjoyed. 

I find myself thanking God for friends – often – over the course of any given year.

Friends resulting from relationships established and maintained through a variety of jobs covering college sports, the outdoors, the news business and the Church.

There also are the friends who live literally around the world. More than three decades ago, I fulfilled a childhood dream and got my amateur (“ham”) radio license. Doing so has enabled me to meet people on the air from scores of countries on every continent. 

I have made even more friends online, and reconnected with more than a few from the past. Together – the jobs, the ham radio, the online places – help drive home the fact that we truly are one holy catholic and apostolic Church; part of a truly world-wide community. 

Am I grateful for things? I suppose; but I don’t thank God for material stuff – except to express gratitude for the tools that have enabled all the friendships and other blessings.  

What about you? Who and what are you thankful for?

The entire staff of The Message wishes you and your family a Blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly are grateful for you!