One of my students asked me what “Black Friday” is all about. As I answered his question, I found myself thinking that “Black Thursday” is a more appropriate term if you have a loved one missing from your celebration on Thanksgiving. I try not to let my mind linger on those kind of thoughts even though that is how I honestly feel at times. Holidays can be very dark and sad times when you have lost a loved one, but here at The Holt Rowland Foundation we are going to be thankful despite the circumstances.
Thankful that we now have a foundation. Thankful that we had a great golf tournament thanks to so many sweet hole sponsors, players, friends, volunteers, and people who just gave above and beyond. Thankful for our website and a way to express what we are all about. Thankful that we have an opportunity to give back to our community and the world to leave a mark for good. Thankful that we have the prayers of friends lifting us up when we feel dark. Thankful that God sends people with ideas just when the time is right. Thankful for encouragement.
Thankful that I know what is really important in life. Thankful that God is still at work even when I can’t see it. Thankful that God still loves me even when I doubt his ways. Thankful that Holt Rowland is the kind of person that makes the world darker when he leaves it. Thankful that I know exactly where Holt Rowland is. Thankful that where he is it’s never, ever dark and always beautiful. Thankful that if Holt isn’t with our family today that he is with friends like Layne Dixon and Timmy Lowman, people who make him laugh. Thankful that his smile is even bigger now than it was on earth…..and it was huge then. Thankful that the world we see now is only temporary. Thankful for hope.
