Will B.Thankful
It’s that time of year again. Time to write about how thankful I am, time to gather with friends and family to reminisce about the good old days, and time to sit quietly in prayer or deep thoughts on just how thankful I am.
I write this annual Will B. Thankful a week early, knowing it is a bit dreary, and I wouldn’t want to cast a shadow on Thanksgiving. It’s hard for me to believe this time last year I was living my perfect life, my perfect dream and fast forward to now, I have lost my heart and am adrift in the daily drudgery of routine, trying to lose myself in work and daily routine to pre-occupy my mind.
Sure, I am still thankful for many things, but what is the pleasure in something that I should be grateful for if there is no one to share life’s many blessings and sorrows. I am thankful for a loving God who has never left my side. I am thankful for a career I love, I am thankful for a town that is like a big family, I am thankful I have my two dogs, Shelby and Jack, and I am most thankful for always having food and a home to feel safe in. These are all great things to be thankful for.
There was a time when I had none of those things. I had no God to comfort me or show me how to live a righteous life. I was homeless three times, all during winter, which is why I’m not too fond of winter. I had no car for many years; it’s surprising how much not having a car can hinder many things we do. I had no food on too many days to count, and I had no job on many occasions even though I was willing to work. It is surprising how hard it is to find employment with no car or home. But these were darker times many years ago.
Today is brighter with many blessings to count. My heart always goes out to the homeless and the drug addict. It’s a vicious cycle that most will never understand, and it is a true miracle when an addict stays clean—a story for another time. I will continue to be thankful for what I have, even though I will be alone for the first Thanksgiving in 23 years. This is Will B saying, be thankful for those around you and never take them for granted.