Wow, what a week. It didn't seem like such an awesome week, but as I sit here recovering from a hot and humid run this morning, I can think of some pretty neat things I experienced this week, and they add up to an absolutely awesome week.
I read an article in Runner's World by Todd Balf on Sunday evening, about his bad knees. He had gone to some specialists to see what could be done to get him back on the road after dealing with osteoarthritis of the knees. The story didn't end well, and it was doubtful anything could be done for him. He could still bike and swim and such, but road running looked doubtful for him. I reflected on this Monday morning as I headed out to run my 3.5 miles. I was so thankful that my knees don't give me this problem. At 52, they aren't quick, they aren't powerful, and they get a little weak after 10 miles, but they do allow me to get out there and "waddle" along. For that I am thankful.
On Tuesday night I had dinner with an awesome lady. My wife was out of town, and she actually suggested I ask this young lady out for Mexican food, especially since my wife doesn't care for Mexican food, and she knows how much I do like it. So any occasion she can pawn me off on a Mexican food dinner date, she likes it. The awesome young lady? My daughter-in-law. With my wife spending time with her mother, and our son Sean out of town on business for the week, it gave Kristen and I a nice opportunity to share a Mexican meal. The food was great, and I loved spending time with Kristen, just one-on-one. I got to know her even more as a gentle, loving, and deeply spiritual person of faith. I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time with her like that, and to have her as part of our family.
Thursday night Matt and I went to a Redbirds game. We had great seats overlooking home plate and it was fun just hanging with Matt. A couple beef dogs, Ghost River Ale's, a bag of warm peanuts and a great baseball game -what more could one ask for? Going into the top of the ninth, the 'Birds had a 5 to 1 lead. But the Bees scored 6 runs! I was disappointed, because I wanted to see a 'Birds victory, but also it was getting late...10:00 o'clock, and I was ready to head back home. Extra innings was not something I was hoping for. In the bottom of the 9th, somebody hit a two run homer to tie the game. "Great!" I thought sarcastically, now it's going to go extra innings. But, then another Bird, hit a line drive over the left field fence for a game winning home-run. 'Birds win! And I was glad we stayed, along with the other 1000 or so faithful to savor the victory in person. I was thankful for an evening of great baseball with Matt.
Friday, I picked up my wife Bonnie from her mother's house. Our house is way too quiet when she's not here. She was tired and a little worn out from being out of her element all week long, but she enjoyed her visit...which wasn't nearly long enough for her mother, but I know she was glad to get back home. We enjoyed a late lunch at McAlisters, and then hit the road. It was nice having her back in the house, filling an emptiness that had been there all week. To have the love of my life back in our routine was something to be very thankful for.
And so, I could reflect on some things this week that didn't go my way: my streak ended at 10 on the ESPN Progressive Streak game when the A's beat the Ray's last night, quashing my dream of winning the $100,000 at the end of the month. I bought a couple lottery tickets this week, and broke about even, well short of the $100,000 grand prize there. And there were numerous other minor irritations in the day to day living of the week. But all told, it was a great week, with much to be thankful for.
And so, I thank you Lord for the "ups", and also for the "downs" that make me appreciate the "ups." I'm reminded of the saying: "All sunshine, makes a desert." Here's hoping you relish the things in your life that give you joy, and that you can find it in your heart to be thankful, without the turkey and dressing.
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