What Does Thanksgiving Mean to You? |
 Imagine coming home every day, sitting down and beginning to journal. What are the things you were proud of during your day, what could you have done differently, what did you respect most, what would you like to change, and what is the thing you are most thankful for? Every day Rawhide youth are assigned time to write down these thoughts and goals as they reflect on their day and anticipate what they want to accomplish the next day.
Recently, I was talking to a youth in his room when he showed me some family photos and the collection of his journals from the past two months. He showed me the picture of his older brother, who was now in dress uniform following his enlistment as a Marine. We talked about his brother who, several years earlier, had also been a youth in Rawhide’s About Face program and how that experience helped him prepare for the Marines. I was looking at the photo of a grown man who had changed in appearance since his days at Rawhide.
Next, this student handed me his journal, and as I looked at several entries, one reference stated that he wanted to change his thinking, he was happy to be at Rawhide, and he was thankful he wasn’t doing anything bad that day. As I flipped ahead, I read the journal he had written that day. He was proud of the work he had done that day, and he was thankful for God.
I asked him what that meant. He looked at me and said he now had God in his life, and I could see the peace in his eyes as he related his new-found faith. He wants to follow in his brother’s footsteps by finishing high school and going into the military. As I consider this season of Thanksgiving, these images are what I am most thankful for. In this one brief conversation, I was viewing a picture of more lives being impacted by your willingness to support this mission. I was able to witness a picture of a Rawhide alumnus who was now serving our country and had truly become those numbered among the few and the proud. Lastly, this young man was thankful to be at Rawhide and recognized that God has a plan for him to pursue.
These stories would not be possible without your partnership, and I know you join me in celebrating these two brothers who are finding hope for a brighter future. Best wishes to you from everyone at Rawhide for a blessed Thanksgiving season. |
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