Thankful!

Late this morning, after a very nice brunch of pancakes, eggs, coffee and hot chocolate, we headed out into the Juniper forest east of town for a photo shoot. We loaded up in two Explorers; Jean and Jim, Colin and Melissa, Colin’s Mum Barbara, and Jude and Zane. And Buddy the Dog! And away we went.

We were all bundled up because the temperature was only about 38F and a cold wind was blowing gusts of chill on us. Cold as it was, we pressed on because we needed some holiday photos and were taking advantage of the opportunity of having Barbara Blackett here, completing both sides of the family.

We found a great spot with old-growth junipers and some great lava outcroppings for backgrounds. I did the photos with my digital SLR, Christmas gift from Jean last year and great inspiration to my interest in photography. Got some good shots that will go in scrapbooks and may well show up on family Christmas cards this year. Fun!

Then I thought about the fact that at this time last year Jean was limping badly from a knee injury to her left lateral meniscus that would require surgery the 3rd of December and was giving her a lot of pain. Buddy the Dog was lame from an injury to his left back knee that had torn his meniscus cartilage and partly severed his ACL. He would have surgery on December 4th just after Jean’s surgery, and have his leg repaired with monofilament nylon line. Does that make him a fishing dog?

Jean was off her feet for over a month, then for the year since the surgery she has had almost constant pain, worsened by walking. Today in the desert, she walked pain-free for the first time in over a year.

Today, Buddy the dog ran and sniffed and leaped up and down among the lava outcroppings and had such a great time. This evening he is limping slightly, but how great that he can still run and climb! He had a couple of doggie aspirins and is resting comfortably in front of the fire this evening.

I am so thankful for Jean’s and Buddy’s recovery. And that God provided the money for us to have the surgery done on him and that God provided the health insurance that allowed for Jean’s surgery and recovery!

I am so thankful for God’s faithfulness through this roller-coaster year of major changes we’ve come through. I’m thankful for continuing purpose, abundant provision, and a heart full of hopeful expectation for the year that’s just around the corner.

I’m thankful that Wednesday, November 11, my country and my community honored those of us who have served in America’s military forces in war. I’m thankful that I got to have a free lunch at Applebee’s restaurant on Veteran’s Day because I’m a Vietnam veteran.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve God and his people. I’m thankful for the way God has patiently and firmly led me through the dark valley between my then and my now.

This is the day I have been given. These are my thankful thoughts.