Thanksgiving

This week I will spend my fourth Thanksgiving behind bars.  For the first time during those four Thanksgivings I feel relatively happy and very blessed.  That may come as a surprise to some who know me.  Thanksgiving weekend this year would have marked my 30^th wedding anniversary.  My ex-wife and two sons remain in my daily prayers.  Perhaps the divorce was for the best.  Perhaps things are as they should be.  I only know I miss and love them but have reached a point of peace.

No, even in the loneliness, I’m thankful.  God, I’ve realized answers prayers and He’s with us every moment of every day.  The writer, William James said: 

“We stand on a mountain pass.  Be strong and of good courage.  Act for the best, hope for the best, and take what comes…” 

I think William James would understand my prison experience.

Nothing is ever hopeless.  No matter how bad things may appear, there is always hope.  As I ran the other morning, I couldn’t help but think of country singer Tim McGraw’s wonderful ballad “Carry On”.

“Carry on

What don’t kill us,
Makes us strong.
There ain’t no troubles we can’t rise above
With a handful of faith
And a heartful of love.”

I speak for the guys in here, building 4A, “the learning community” when I wish you Happy Thanksgiving.