Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday

My blessings are too numerous to count. But at the top of my list would be my health, and that of my husband and family. I learned first hand last year, especially, how important it is to take care of ourselves. I realize that only so much of it is in our hands/control but it's vitally important to do what we can to maintain our own good health.

So on this particular Thanksgiving, I'd just like to say how grateful I am to be in good enough physical condition to have completed the third of our tri-fecta series running races (8k or 5 miles). Yep, this morning while you were basting your turkeys, Michael and I were freezing!!!!! Oh BRRRRRRR... I didn't think it was supposed to get this cold in the south!

We were surprised by the number of runners. There were more than 600 people participating in this event. I'm guessing most weren't the preparers of the Thanksgiving feast or they were going to a restaurant for their meal.

The course ran a beautiful stretch through Carrboro, NC. It was challenging with at least 3 good-sized hills. There were the fans along the route cheering us on and some ladies who were obviously up early starting their birds who took time to step out the front door or wave to us from behind their picture windows. I love it!

Michael was especially excited about the event... He finished in about 44 minutes, a great time.

And I was pretty proud of myself, too. I wrapped it up in about 53 minutes.

But the absolute best part about this day was bearing witness to the greatest form of humanity I think I've ever seen. At the starting line about 2 rows in front of me was a man and a young boy of about 12 who I'm assuming was his son. What makes the scene so warming...the man was blind...and his son was his guide through this race. My throat swelled and tears fell. My heart was so full. First for this boy and his dedication to his father. And then for the man who's passion for running is so great that even complete darkness does not keep him from doing what he loves. I watched these two run as one. I thought how challenging it was for that boy because he had to keep his right arm rather straight and still so that his father could keep his grip on the boy's elbow. That is to say nothing of the challenge for the sightless man. It was a scene I will never forget and one I'm so thankful to God for putting before me.

I have always believed, much to the chagrin of my husband, that there is good in everyone. I believe that to the core of my heart. And when I am witness to experiences like the one today, my beliefs are confirmed.

My cup runneth over and for that I am grateful...

I hope your homes are full of Thanksgiving blessings.