Today was a great day of Thanksgiving. I saw a program this morning that described the early history of the holiday and how it was mostly a religious holiday that centered around Church and prayer. Perhaps next year I will try to better focus on the spiritual aspect of the holiday.

We had a great feast at noon and I got to say our thanksgiving Grace. I was a little disappointed that my dad and brother in law were late. Nevertheless they did come and we had a great time talking , laughing and watching football.

My brother also came to visit and I didn't think he looked too good.

My dad stayed much of the day and we had a long talk. The talk didn't quite go where I wanted as I wanted to talk about how I wish he could return to being the spiritual leader of our family. I had to find acceptance that God arranges for us to talk about what he needs us to talk about. Perhaps I will get the chance tomorrow.

Tonight my wife is camping out for doorbuster sales. I had to resist being judgemental or resentful about this.

I thought some more about sharing about God or Jesus in meetings and took another look at my ideas about this last night. I think my point number two may be less important than the simple fact that the chapter is about changing our conception of God or finding the willingness to believe. It has to boil down to the simple fact that God is the power that we are lacking. I need not get into any theology at this point whether I am a believer or not, I simply have to try and set aside my old ideas which are causing me to be prejudiced. This applies to the believer or the non-believer. I need not talk about who I think God is but rather how I humbled myself to set aside my old ideas and become open to this new conception of him as The Power.

I also forgot about how bringing my theology into the rooms opens the door for others to do so. This could lead to a debate about theology.

I ask God to help me stay objective, open minded and tolerant about this.

This year I am thankful for willingness to pursue a spiritual life, for a beautiful family and for security amid financial shortcomings. I am thankful for continued sobriety, good friends and for a re-constructed ability to enjoy the good things in life.

Thank you Lord Jesus.