by Adam Bledsoe

We made it! It’s finally here! It’s my favorite time of the year! Lots of bad punctuation, but I just can’t help it. I’m literally beside myself as I contemplate the events directly ahead. Cool weather, fall foliage, pumpkins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkin lattes, football, deer camp and family. Yep, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

My brain is flooded with some of my most fond memories, so pardon me for jumping all around on this one (what’s new, right?). For me, Thanksgiving time is about so much. As an outdoorsman, I enjoy getting out in the woods during the hunt. Spending time alone in the woods does a couple things for a person. Sometimes I drive myself crazy reflecting on the many mistakes made in the past, and I often find myself in deep conversation with the Lord confessing how sorry I am. The flip side of that coin is when I’m able to reflect on the many blessings I’ve been given. Another pastime in the deer stand is sleeping. There’s no telling how many amazing deer have passed me up because I was sleeping.

When I was new to deer hunting, I would sit there and scan constantly without wavering. The older I get, the more I enjoy a nice nap in my cozy fiberglass deer stand. But in all seriousness, that time alone gives me an opportunity to reflect upon for what I should be grateful. Most times, it’s easy to look at the material blessings and be grateful. However, I believe it’s extremely important to be thankful for the intangible things given to us as well.

My wife and I have been blessed beyond imagination in so many ways. Interestingly enough, there have been some hiccups and road bumps in the past few months which had us scratching our heads and wondering what we were to take away from those moments. We literally asked each other what He was trying to show us. What was the takeaway? Our relationship grew in great depth during each trial. One weekend we spent an evening in the emergency room (all is well and good) with no cell phones or children. All we had was each other. It forced us to sit quietly with each other and wonder if God was trying to get our attention. It has worked during each stressful moment.

Many of you can agree, as a nation we are more blessed than we’ll ever know. We are blessed to live in a wonderful area code. We are blessed to have modern conveniences. You often forget how good you’ve got it once you lose it. I dislike it when the power goes out, but what about running water? NOT OK! Thanks to those who keep our power on, our water flowing, our roads in tip-top shape. Thanks to the men and women who serve in the greatest military in the free world. Thanks to every firefighter, police officer, paramedic, teacher, nurse, doctor, restaurant employee, furniture maker, motor home manufacturer, landfill employee, farmer, and the list goes on.

Now is the time to sit back and reflect on how good you have it. Going through some struggles right now? Ask yourself what He is trying to show you. What is your take-away from this trial and tribulation? Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Defeat your depression that has you held captive and keeps you locked in your house. I understand your feeling. I spent an entire Thanksgiving Day by myself once because of a situation such as this. Never again. Remember nobody controls your happiness but you.

Don’t forget…I love you. Have the best day of your life!