In the Isaacs tradition, Thanksgiving involves family, food, fun and lots of laughter.  When I was younger, my parents and my siblings would gather around the table and after we ate, we lit a candle and shared what we were thankful for.  It was always a special reminder that a grateful heart is a gift from the Lord.   We have much to be thankful for.

This year, the clan is in Ohio with Kathy and me (my sons, their wives and four grands). We rotate and this year we will not celebrate thanksgiving in person with my parents and siblings.  Yet, I know they will likewise continue the tradition, as we have to pause in the midst of it all to represent a grateful heart.  For the next few days, I plan to use this space to express my GRATEFUL thoughts…

Today, I’m grateful to be born an American!

Because this site is read by many variety of persons both in and out of my country, I wrestled with the wording because I’m not saying that I’m superior to you because I am American because I believe that others should be and are as proud of their country heritage as I am of mine.  When I spend time with my friend David Ramirez, he is especially proud of his Argentina heritage and I’ve traveled to his homeland and I can see why he feels this way.

But as our country celebrates this traditional Fall holiday, I must say I’m proud of my heritage as an American citizen. It was God’s choice/decision to allow me to be born to parents who lived in this country. Sometimes I wonder how differently my life might be had I been born in a different land.  As I read about life in North Korea or Thailand, I can see that my life would be significantly different.

This country is not perfect and there are many times when my frustration over the USA boils over. Yet, there are so many things about my homeland that I love. The majesty of the landscape, the genuineness of the people are just a few.

I still get goosebumps over the National Anthem and God Bless America.   Color me Red, White and Blue!