A Day of Thanks

Whenever I return from a campout, I am always thankful; thankful for a shower, a washing machine, a refrigerator, fresh water straight from the tap, and a kitchen sink. One of the things that I really like about camping, though, is doing with less.  I like having a world with just a few belongings; my tent and my backpack.  Life is simpler.  Coming home reminds me of both of these things.  I am thankful.

I absolutely love the group of adults that make our Boy Scout troop run so smoothly.  They give of their time and talent to so many youth. They have a servant's heart and lend a hand without being asked.  They help each other and the boys, teach, lead by example, and show a great deal of love through their actions.  They believe in the program and it shows.  They are funny and kind and they always make me laugh.  Throw in my role as caregiver for my husband's two year on-going battle with lung cancer, and you have some idea why it means so much to me.  I am thankful.  

Two years ago, just after Jim's diagnosis, we had a similar float trip.  All I could see around me on the river were couples, in their gold years, enjoying each other's company.  It made me sad back then. It did not hit me the same way yesterday on the river. I enjoyed the laughter and antics of young and old alike. I am thankful for each day that we are on this earth and know that there is no guarantee for any one of us to have a tomorrow.  We can only go on, one day at a time.  I am thankful. 

At our Scouts Interfaith Worship Service this morning, a scout told the story (presumably an Arabian proverb) of soldiers captured and taken prisoner. They were given two options; firing squad or a door.  All the prisoners chose the firing squad; something they knew, rather than the unknown. It turns out the door was to freedom.  Every day for us is a door to the unknown.  In the last two years, I have learned that while a lot of planning and preparation has to go into making an adventure or outing run smoothly, sometimes life happens and you have to take each day on faith. I am thankful. 

Sunset at Lake Panasoffkee  

Sunrise view from my tent