Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

I just viewed the movie “Up in the air” with George Clooney. If you have never seen this film, I will try to tell you about it without spoiling the ending. The Clooney character works for a company that specializes in helping others downsize their staff.

He travels a great deal and is asked what his goal in life is. His answer is to reach one million miles on his frequent flyer miles. This would make him the seventh to reach that milestone.

I used to travel for my job. For three years I would visit customers every day of the week through southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. I spent two nights away from home to cover part of my territory once a month. I do not know what it would be like to travel all over the country constantly.

My family grew up knowing that I would be home almost every night. My children have not been traumatized by not having their father involved. This is the first thing I am thankful for this year.

The second is that my wife and I were married before I had to move away after graduating from college. Our relationship survived a ten-week separation shortly after we were engaged. I am thankful that we have been married for forty-six years.

I am grateful that Jesus saved me and called me to be a minister of His gospel. That has included over forty years of serving at Hamlin Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. My ministry has been leading Bible studies for youth and adults. I am also a member of their Deacon body. My work has also enabled me to be a workplace servant.

Our daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren have also been tremendous blessings. As I watch them grow and mature into decent human beings, I am proud of who they are becoming and have become.

Another thing I want to share is that I am proud to be an American and thankful for those who protect us daily in the armed forces and as first responders. I do not want to become one who says that our country needs to become great again. I also am glad that our laws are such that many of us vote for those that we wish to lead our constitutional government.

Our country may not be perfect. Our lives are not always what we want them to be, but we can make changes and choices. Life can be much worse as we are constantly reminded when we watch the news. Remember, life is as good as you make it and part of that is based on your attitude. Happy Thanksgiving.

©Copyright 2022 by Charles Kensinger