Happy Thanksgiving! Today’s a great day to step back and reflect on the positive things that have happened in our life over the past year and the things that bring joy into your life. Here are ten things I’m thankful for today.

I’m thankful for the laughter of my infant son, the bright smile that often comes up on his face, and the look of peace on his face as he sleeps.

I’m thankful for the smile of my daughter, her growing wit, and her ability to bring levity to any situation.

I’m thankful for the growing insight of my son and his already-appearing leadership abilities while still retaining a wonderful sense of caring for others.

I’m thankful for the friendships I’ve been able to build over the past year, particularly the one I’ve built with the husband of one member of our wedding party.

I’m thankful for my readers who have given me the opportunity to write for a living, provide constant feedback and support, and constantly surprise me with their generosity.

I’m thankful for my ongoing health, even as I understand how tenuous it all really is.

I’m thankful for the ability to spend these days surrounded by people I care about.

I’m thankful for beginning to learn how to express myself in musical form, something that I never understood prior to this year. Thank you, Diane.

I’m thankful for the opportunities I have to discuss difficult and sensitive topics with understanding people who won’t judge my perspectives and are seeking answers, just as I am. Thank you, Heidi.

Perhaps most of all, I’m thankful for my wife, who is the yin to my yang in every way. I didn’t understand what it meant to have someone “complete” you until after being with her for many years. She is wonderful, in every sense of the word.