{"id":462,"date":"2011-12-08T12:18:03","date_gmt":"2011-12-08T12:18:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sankinator.com\/blog\/?p=462"},"modified":"2011-12-08T13:27:35","modified_gmt":"2011-12-08T13:27:35","slug":"humbled-during-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sankinator.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/08\/humbled-during-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Humbled During The Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the holiday<\/a><\/span>‘s, I always think back to the time when I was younger. My family<\/a><\/span> was lucky enough to be put into a situation, or I should say situations, that taught me many lessons. I’m always thankful when I can learn something. Most people would not see it as being lucky.<\/p>\n

Back then, I had no idea the lessons I was being taught would prove to be so valuable. I thought, at my immature age, God was punishing me and my family. I couldn’t for the life<\/a><\/span> of me figure out what the hell we had done to deserve it.<\/p>\n

Being caught in the crossfire of life can be scary and will leave a mark. You might not see the physical scars but, the emotional trauma can be catastrophic.<\/p>\n

That’s where I think I’m lucky. Though my upbringing was littered with infrequent highs and lower than lows, it taught me what’s truly important in life. The love<\/a><\/span> of family is by and far the most important thing in the world as far as I’m concerned.<\/p>\n

Let’s take a moment to define family.<\/p>\n

In my case, there are many biological ties, but that’s not all. If life has taught me anything, it’s that family comes in all shapes and sizes and doesn’t always follow traditional definitions.<\/p>\n

I’m lucky enough to have friends that I will always consider part of my family and I have family members that I’ll never consider to be my friend<\/a><\/span> and by virtue of that exclusion, they’re not family.<\/p>\n

Simply put, biology does not make a family.<\/p>\n

To my “family”, I am thankful for all of you!<\/p>\n

I have a loving wife<\/a><\/span>, two beautiful little girls<\/a><\/span>, a better than most brother and a loving mother. Now, add loving in-laws to the mix, sprinkle in great friends and I have the recipe for a blessed life.<\/p>\n

I don’t have monetary riches but I’m filthy stinking rich when it comes to my family!<\/p>\n

I am humbled<\/a><\/span> by my true wealth.\"\"<\/p>\n

Please, take a moment to look at the brighter side of things and remember that it could be far worse than what it is.<\/p>\n

If you are having a hard time right now, I wish you all the best and I’m thinking of you.<\/p>\n

If you have what you need, I’m happy for you and hope that you are thankful for it.<\/p>\n

If you have more than you need, I implore you to share with those who are in need.<\/p>\n

Not for one moment am I afraid to admit that I believe in Jesus Christ, therefore Merry Christmas to you and yours!!<\/p>\n

If that offends you, I don’t give a shit and you can piss off!<\/p>\n