Chuck Williams: Four words for Thanksgiving

We have a toast in our home.

"To family and friends; God and country."

Seven words, generally delivered by my wife, Cathy, or my stepson, Joshua. The toast generated with Cathy's mom and is something that is done when we gather with family and friends. The toast was new to me 11 years ago when Cathy and I married. I come from a long line of Alabama folks who ask the Lord to bless the food, then duck as elbows and forks start flying.

The toast is a nice pause to remember four things that many of us hold most dear. The toast has great meaning and covers the spectrum in a way an editor would love -- tight and to the point.

As we prepare to gather as a family this week those four words are on my mind and in my heart.

Family. As a young man, I took family for granted. It is a mistake many of us make. As I have matured and started a family of my own, the meaning is more pronounced.

As a son, grandson, brother, cousin and nephew, you have certain responsibilities. As a husband, father and stepfather, those responsibilities change.

But so do the rewards. We're days away from a second grandchild. All four of our kids have spread their wings and are flying. There is tremendous pride in that.

As a son, you can sense that pride your parents have in you. But you really don't have a clue until you cross that bridge.

Friends. If your core values rest in your family, your friends are the ones who hold you accountable. We are fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood that encourages and embraces friendship. I have developed close and rewarding relationships with people from all walks.

And old friends still pop in and out of my world. Facebook has been a wonderful way to reconnect with folks who held great significance -- if only for a brief period.

God. You see the work in mysterious ways. The older I get, the more spiritual I become. I see the spirit of God in many things -- and people. I see it in nature and I see it in random acts of kindness like a man picking up the tab for a soldier at a local restaurant.

I see it in the mercy of forgiveness and people who exhibit grace. I see it in those who minister to the homeless -- and do it in quiet and unassuming ways. I see it in those fighting through illness.

That grace and spirit doesn't always have to be under the roof of a grand chapel, though it can be.

Country. We live in a town where we see country every day. We see the kid going to boot camp and we see Army Rangers who see things those of us who have not been in the fight can't even imagine.

And many of those people have become neighbors and friends. They are heroes who walk amongst us. And, I thank God I live in a town that offers a constant reminder.

Family. Friends. God. Country.

That pretty much covers it, doesn't it?

Chuck Williams, senior reporter, chwilliams@ledger-enquirer.com.

This story was originally published November 24, 2014 at 8:54 PM with the headline "Chuck Williams: Four words for Thanksgiving."