Thursday, December 17, 2009

Giving Thanks

Throughout the month of November, my co-worker's wife posted a series of posts titled "Operation: Gratitude," in which she detailed her gratitude for many of her blessings. I was inspired by what she wrote, so I wanted to write a brief post of my own.

I am grateful for where I am in life - I am so richly blessed. Two years ago, I had no job, was completely broke, and as a college graduate, ended up working as a waiter in a restaurant. There's nothing wrong with serving - it's hard, honest work - but it wasn't where I wanted to be in my life. Now I have a good career job that provides for me and my wife. We just moved into a nice new apartment on the first floor of a house at the base of the North Orem foothills, and are making it into a home. We are able to put some money in savings and live comfortably within our means.

I have a beautiful wife and am happily married. That's not to say we haven't had our fair share of disagreements and tears. We of course don't publicize them, but marriage is hard work. You don't really believe that before you're married. You don't truly understand what people mean when they say the first year is the hardest. But I'm grateful for our trials. They've made us stronger as a couple. And we're getting ready to celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple. How wonderful is that? :)

For the most part, we're healthy. We wish Kristen would get fewer migraines, and that we were both skinnier, but other than that, we're good. :) We've begun to learn how to take the things that life throws at us and either dodge them, or catch them and throw them back. Life is about overcoming struggles, and I love every moment I'm alive. Even those times that are hard, or that hurt. I am grateful for everything that's made me who I am, so that I could be with the love of my life: my Kristen.

And I wouldn't change a thing.
I'd walk right back through the rain.
Back to every broken heart
On the day that it was breaking.
And I'd relive all the years,
And be grateful for the tears
I cried with every stumble, step
That led to you, and got me here.