This past Sunday while my family and I were rocking out at our Family Experience (FX) at our local church, the reverend played the kids a quirky little video about being full. A family, gathered around after dinner speaking about how full they were. Of course, the assumption is they had just finished their Thanksgiving dinner and couldn't eat another bite -- until the mother walks in stating, "Dinner is served." By this time, you realized they are a different kind of full -- thankful. And so am I.
We always find ways to improve ourselves, improve our lives, and improve everything around us. However, it seems we never find ways to be thankful for what we already have. I try as much as I can to appreciate what's before me, but it can be difficult when you're always trying to improve -- learn a new running technique to get faster, lose ten pounds to impress your spouse, buy the latest gadget to track your stats better, or <insert your improvement here>. I have no problem with that -- refining your skills is a part of everyday life, and so is being thankful.
I am thankful I can get up every day and exercise -- run or bike or play with my kids. I am thankful for my wife, my two kids, my home, my health. I am thankful I have a great job, can put food on my table every day, sleep in a bed every night. I am thankful for my extended family -- my parents, brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, cousins, parents-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, friends, and anyone else I've missed here.
I try to take time out of my week to give a quick thanks for all experiences that happened -- positive or negative. Why negative too? By the time I am giving thanks, I realize the negative events are usually a learning experience and I usually find a positive from it. Now, I'll admit I'm not religious about giving a quick thanks every week -- like I said, I try. This week is especially obvious in that reflection. Take some time, reflect back on the last few weeks, the last few months, or even your 2016 and find out how full you really are.
