It’s Thanksgiving morning here in KL, and though I’m 8,000 miles away from Nashville, I still feel like I’m there in a sense. Every year I can remember my family spent Thanksgiving at a nursing/retirement home called Vinehill serving turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie to the elderly and poor. I can still smell that place to this day. When I think about it, it’s really no surprise I am spending Thanksgiving serving others, for this was engraved in my heart for as long as I can remember.
I’m reminded of this same day a few years ago when we lost my grandfather, and I spent hours upon hours wondering what could possibly exist to be thankful for in a time like that. That morning I had about as short-sighted eyes as one could have. I didn’t want to see past that day, that hour, even that minute.
Had I known I’d be spending that anniversary, just a few years later, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the midst of an 11 month journey to share Christ with the world, I think I would’ve found just a little something to be thankful for on that sad day. There’s no doubt that he’s looking down on me right now, proud, and smiling, and saying, “Now THAT is something to have Thanksgiving about!”
To all the people I love back home, Happy Thanksgiving! I’m sad I don’t get to spend it with you, but it will make next year that much sweeter. I really am thankful for each person in our family. I know wholeheartedly, that I am who I am today because of your support, your love, and encouragement along the way.
-In loving memory of Jim Wheeler, better known as Grandpa-
