Firstly, I just plain don’t think it’s fair for the last Thursday in November to get all the pressure for all of our thankfulness… as a result, I’d like to take a few moments over the next few Thursdays to express my gratitude. The first on my list, is my wife’s family. From births, birthday parties, vacations and other special moments (like ENGAGEMENTS!! WOOT WOOT!), the tapestry of love and encouragement runs deep and strengthens everyone it touches. I am blessed to be a part of this family, and I am thankful in every way for the way that Jennifer has been shaped through the wisdom and kindness of her family. I love the phone calls I get from my nephews, the hugs I get from Granny, the warmth of hospitality show through even the simplest cup of coffee from Mom M., the wisdom and generosity from Dad M., and the joy that is constantly expressed from all the siblings. Re-reading that sentence causes me to pause and wonder if I’m viewing the world too much through rose colored glasses… but then I realize that’s what gratitude has the power to do… it gives us the constant ability to see the best parts of anything and everything. So call me an optimist or a romantic if you’d like, I’ll look past the sarcasm and be grateful for the compliment.
– Benj
I love each of you so very much. I am so thankful for my family and my kind, loving husband. Blessed.
Thanks for posting this Benji.
Looking through these pictures sure triggers a lot of emotion doesn’t it? It’s been quite a year: the welcoming of Titus and Lydia (it’s just impossible to look at their pictures with their brothers and not smile), Dad M’s 60th, Granny’s 90th, Steph saying “yes”, plus all the little things in between.
Your photographs, especially these, remind me of the altar of 12 stones that the Israelites made as a memorial. The altar served to remind them of God’s deliverance in passing them through the Red Sea and the Jordan River. Joshua told the people that when their descendants asked about the altar, they should respond, “[The Lord your God] did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” I’m so thankful for the amazing work that you do with your photography; so many of your photos serve as reminders of the seas and rivers that our God leads us through. Thanks Benji and Jenn-Jenn. :)