Oh the things I forget to be thankful for

A couple of weeks ago I had the unfortunate experience of being away from my wife and kids for three weeks while I transitioned into a new job in a different part of the state.  I know some of you think a three week break might seem like the chance for you to sit around in your chones and watch Sportscenter until your eyes are glazed over, and I admit I had that thought as well albeit briefly.  After a very short period of time (I know I know, I'm soft) I couldn't help but think about my family and how I missed every last one of them.  As time dragged on I started missing the noises,  the slamming doors, the arguing kids,  even the digging dogs.

One night while wallowing in self pity and lost in my thoughts of my family I decided to write down all of the things that I am grateful for.   I am going to share with you the things that came to mind,  so without further delay here is the list:


My wife, my kids, the love of my family, the opportunity to have a job and support them, my family's health, their safety, the ability to learn, the opportunity to better myself each day mentally, spiritually, and physically, my parents, my siblings, my nephews, good friends, the beautiful world we live in, my Savior, the Gospel, the Scriptures, prayer, the promptings of the spirit, the chance to serve, Repentance, a loving God, My Testimony.

After coming up with the list I was pretty impressed with myself.  Upon further review however, I realized how short my list actually is.  In all my years of life this was all I could come up with?  I have so many things to be grateful for.  The list is one that shouldn't end.   In order to properly recognize each of my blessings,  I have set a goal to recognize something different that I am grateful for each day and if it is a person in my life to let them know that I am grateful for them no matter how unmanly that might be perceived.    I won't share with you my updated list,  but rest assured that is quite a bit longer and growing every day.

Thanks for listening.

My Two Cents

I thought that an appropriate inaugural topic for this blog I would take some time to address why I would create it and what I hope to get out of it.  For starters, this venture is as an experiment of sorts.  An experiment for several reasons.  For starters, I really have no idea what a blog is or how to be a competent "blogger".  Sure, I have heard the term thrown around but I have never really looked into them until this week.  I found some interesting content out there and it opened my eyes to an opportunity.  By opportunity, I am not talking about winning friends, influence, or cash.  I am talking about the opportunity to create a forum that will allow me to gather together those things that I come across that inspire me to be a better man.

I have no idea how I will maintain an active blog with regular updates.  I have no idea who will read this.  But I do know that from time to time I feel like I have something to say and so I will write.  Then there are times when I read something that I come across or a friend sends my way that really does change me and I feel like sharing it with the world.  Well, now in my own way I can.

Finally, about the title..."The Richest Man in Town".  The line comes at the end of It's A Wonderful Life.  The words are a toast to George Bailey and every time I see that scene, I am reminded of what this life is about.  Screw the Potters of the world.  This life is about family, friends, and making a difference in the world around us.  Life is wonderful and there are great reminders of that simple fact under our very noses everyday.  We do not need ideal circumstances to be happy.  I hope that I can use this blog as a constant reminder that George Bailey, and all men like him, in the end have everything that matters.