A Canadian Thanksgiving

I am a Canadian living and pastoring in the U.S. and I have got to say that I love it. There is something about the American spirit and passion that I gravitate towards and in many ways it feels like home. It is home.

But I have another home. One that is never very far from my thoughts and that is my home in Canada, where I grew up and where I was encouraged to pursue the call of God on my life that eventually led me to my new home in America. While I have adopted almost all things American, on this day I celebrate my Canadian roots for on this day in Canada it is Thanksgiving. On this day each year, the second Monday in October, Canadians are gathered around their tables, carving turkeys and sharing moments and memories with family and friends. It's the same as it is here in November just without Black Friday. I digress.

At any rate, I thought I would write this blog today about Thanksgiving, for I have much to be thankful for. I am married to the girl of my dreams. I've got three of the most incredible kids ever. I've got the best friends anyone could ever have. I have had wonderful mentors and leaders pour into my life. I've had the privilege of serving three incredible congregations (Phoenix First Assembly, Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly, Grandview Assembly). I get to work with a group of people who serve God with passion and purpose. My parents gave me every advantage. Wow, I'm realizing I could go on and on because I've got so much to be grateful for.

Most of all, I would like to thank God because every good and perfect gift has come from Him and I tend to take those gifts and the Giver of those gifts for granted and that's not who I want to be.

It shouldn't take a holiday to have a thankful heart.