Thanksgiving

So I'm not so good with this blogging thing--not that I don't enjoy it, but life is busy and when I do have free time I find myself reading or watching TV with my wife. So now that school is over for the week, I have about 10x as much free time!

People have been posting a lot about what they are grateful for on blogs and Facebook, so I thought I would join (it's refreshing)

1) I am grateful for free time during the holidays. Do you remember how excited you got in grade school/jr.high/high school for Christmas and summer break? I don't think that excitement will ever go away for me. I'm grateful for that feeling.

2) I am grateful for my family. I won't be with my immediate family for Thanksgiving, but will see them briefly before Christmas. I haven't lived near my family since 2003, and I think it has made being with them even more sweeter. I can't wait!

3) I am grateful for friends. I have always had trouble with feelings of loneliness and had hard time making and keeping good friends, especially among guys. I believe my homosexuality grew largely due to a lack of homoemotional support that I missed throughout my adolescent years. I still have those feelings, but not as often as before. Coming to BYU really brought me out of my shell and I was lucky to have some of the best roommates who took me in. I got to spend some time with one of those roommates yesterday--it was great to catch up and talk like nothing had changed. Friends make life fun and enjoyable.

4) I am grateful for my wife. Nothing makes me happier than to be with her. She understands me more than anybody. We can be completely honest with each other, and I am grateful for that! Things aren't always perfect, but I wouldn't have it any other way. She is the love of my life!!! (I never promised that this wouldn't be cheesy :) )

5) I am grateful for my Savior and that His gospel has been restored on the earth. It has given me hope and salvation. I am grateful for my testimony. There is so much confusion and doubt in the world, and I at times feel their dark shadows looming in my soul. Somehow the love of the Lord breaks through and I am able to move forward in faith, not knowing all the answers, but knowing that He loves and lives. I will never be able to deny the Atonement and the power of the priesthood.