Deanna Beaver
November 11, once called Armistice Day, is now known as Veteran’s Day and Granddaddy Bill’s birthday. It’s fitting to celebrate him on this famous day since he was a World War II United States Navy veteran. He is one of the many family members I am thankful for.
Granddaddy Bill and many others served our country. Because of him, I proudly honor veterans‒men and women who have served in the military. Growing up, I never understood their service’s impact on my life. Yes, I had many relatives who served in the various armed forces. Still, as a child, I didn’t realize the sacrifices they’d made well enough for me to be thankful for all the privileges afforded me in the United States of America.
There are many things to complain about until I realize they are just first-world problems. For instance, my heat went out last month in forty-five-degree weather. I am confident that many people would have traded places with me and suffered my inconvenience compared to their troubles. I realize I need to view life from a different perspective. Someone in the shadows would trade places with me in a heartbeat. Is the grass really greener? Just saying . . .
Life is too short to complain about trivial things. If you’ve had a chance to read my previous blogs, you’ll remember that I am thankful for the friends and family I have had the honor of meeting and knowing over the years. Each person I have come in contact with has had some influence on me. (Shame on you, evil people!) I pray for God to put good influencers in my family’s paths. I may question some of these influences, but I believe each person has a purpose in our lives.
Those of you who follow me on social media may have discovered that I am a huge baseball fan in addition to being a “DeeDee” to precious Haley and Elijah. I repeat, F-A-N, not expert. I enjoy the game. I enjoy attending a Major League Baseball stadium to get the whole experience. Of course, I have favorite teams. But I am ecstatic whenever I attend America’s favorite pastime‒‒no matter who’s playing. My heart sank a little when my son had to choose between baseball and wrestling‒‒since the seasons overlapped. I am now thankful for our wrestling years. He learned self-discipline, perseverance, leadership, mental toughness, etc. I also gained some life-long friendships.
I will continue to be thankful in November and every other month. Hindsight’s perspective will make me grateful for the setbacks and accomplishments throughout the year.
The Bible says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”(I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).
I am thankful to you for joining my website and blogging journey.
Please leave a comment to let me know what you are thankful for and tell others about deannabeaver.com and Just Saying . . .
Wonderful Deanna. I am thankful for family, health and laughter. Love your blog and your insight. A wonderful tribute today to Mr Bill and all your family.
Joyce, thank you for visiting and commenting.Family, friends, health, and laughter covers many blessings in my life. I wish I would have asked Granddaddy Bill how he felt sharing his birthday with Veteran’s Day.
Wonderful reminders of our abundant blessings!
Sarah, thank you. We need to stop and reflect every chance we get.
Great read. Wonder memories of Mr. Bill were brought to my mind as well as others who have proudly served for our freedom.
Martha, you are correct. We have the privilige of knowing so many people who served in the military. Granddady Bill never mentioned the coincidence that his birthday and Veteran’s Day were the same. Actually, I don’t remember celebrating Veteran’s Day growing up. Hmm, maybe my memory is beginning to fail me.
Great post on Veteran’s Day and Mr Bill. I am Thankful for our friendship and the sweet community of Glennville. In this crazy world, I feel fortunate that we have our little piece of paradise.
I am grateful for our friendship even though we don’t see each other often. It actually makes me grateful for technology, just saying.
Deanna, yes we need to be thankful for all of our blessings! Thank you for the blog and reminder!
Thank you Patty for interacting with me and my blog. I am constantly reminding myself of how grateful I should be of my many blessings.
I am so thankful for moments and time spent with friends and family and people who need a hug!!
And Robyn, you are a great hugger! I miss your hugs. Research says 4-20 hugs a day are needed. I guess that’s why we love on children.
I am thankful for you!
Wonderful reminders to be grateful.
The 1 Thes. verse is a favorite life verse. XOXO
I am thankful for you Jennifer. You always have a great way of seeing things in a possitive light.This verse is one of my mantras.
Beautifully written! Most of our problems are first world ~ a gentle reminder to be thankful and live in the moment
Missy, you have seen more than I have, so I know you can concur that people in other parts of the world envy our freedoms in the United States.