I just turned 44 years of age. It’s strange to say I am 44, especially since I feel more like 34. Since Thanksgiving is next week, and since I just celebrated a birthday, I want to reflect on 44 things I am thankful for:

1. Good health
2. Lori, my wonderful wife
3. My three precious daughters
4. Good friends
5. Coffee
6. Eternal life through Jesus Christ
7. Maci, my dog  (man’s best friend!)
8. A church that loves and supports me
9. My mom
10. The godly legacy my father left
11. Running
12. Music
13. Books
14. Food
15. Clothing
16. Shelter
17. Heat for when it’s cold
18. AC for when its’s hot
19. A cozy bed to sleep in
20. The Bible
21. Hot Tea
22. Cappuccinos
23. Jan and Lisa, my two sisters
24. Jenny, my mother-in-law
25. Weightlifting
26. My friendships/partnerships in Belarus
27. God is using my story/book on depression
28. The staff members I get to work with
29. My children go to a good school
30. My wife is healthy
31. My children are healthy
32. Electricity
33. Water
34. The gift of adoption
35. My daughters’ birth parents
36. My daughters’ birth families
37. A reliable vehicle
38. Jason, my brother-in-law
39. Ways to communicate with others: Phone, e-mail, etc.
40. The calling God has has placed upon my life
41. The godly legacy my father-in-law left behind
42. Prayer
43. Hope through Jesus, no matter what
44. Love through Jesus, no matter what

I have many more reasons to be thankful, but I often fail to stop and consider how blessed I am. I want to encourage you to take a few moments this week and list reasons you are thankful. List 44, 94, or just 4. The point is this – you are blessed. Reflect on it and thank God for it!