We Have So Much To Be Thankful For

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I had another powerful learning experience this week. It was another wake up call that I - we have so much to be thankful for. At times we do not even realize just how much we have to be thankful for.

At a virtue camp with a high school basketball team ... we had a discussion about family-forgiveness-charity. It was moving. The kids immediately opened up. It was one of the more difficult discussions I've ever been a part of because there was hardly room to get a word in ... the guys had so much to unload. Below is a sample of what was said and the young man with the most troubled past - family situation was silent throughout ...

"How do you forgive someone who keeps letting you down? When they say they'll pick you and your little brother up to play ball ... but they never show up ... when that is the 3rd time this year they do that to you?

"I've never met my Dad. I dream about him coming though the front door and ..." (broke down)

"I wish my Dad would come to one of my games ... come sober that is."

"My mom left me when I was little. I live with my Dad. My mom has a new family now. I go over there sometimes and it is so hard. I feel so out of place. What do I do ... I don't want to feel like that ..."

"I wish my mom would look at me when I talk to her ..."

"I love this basketball team because it is the only REAL family I have." (broke down)

"I know money doesn't bring happiness but I wish we could buy something ..." (broke down)

...

We did the best we could addressing these statements. I felt completely inadequate ... I prayed and prayed and asked God to step in.

As we finished I walked over to the coaches and said, "This reminds me of just how inconsequential basketball (whatever the sport) is. These kids have NEEDS so far beyond basketball. They all nodded ...

The following morning we watched some movie clips that was absolutely perfect for the situation. Most of the questions the kids had - the movie nailed to a T. God answers prayers. I could sense a peace in the young men as we left that session.

As I was getting ready to leave the young man with the MOST troubled past - family situation ... came up to me. "Mr Judd, thank you for doing things like this. There are lots of people who need it. Thank you."

God bless, Lou