Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It has been for a long time, and continues to be. It seems simpler and a little more stress free. There is less commercialism associated with the holiday. It's pretty much just family, food, and football. Well - I don't need the football - but I'll take it. It's also a profound time to reflect and be grateful. Life slows down for a bit and the things that matter most are more clearly in focus.
Today I am most thankful for the cross of Christ, the resurrection of Jesus and the eternal hope we have in Him. There is no greater gift than the Lord Jesus. Today I am grateful for Norman Bell leaving North Carolina to come to New York and minister for a number of years from 1960 until the 1980's. When I was two years old, God sent a man to New York who would lead another minister to the Lord about 12 years later and that man would be assigned to our church and become our pastor.
I'm thankful for Lanny Fox, who preached Jesus at the Burke Methodist Church and influenced me to Christ. I'm thankful for Frank Wood - our pastor from 1978-1982 who in just four short years, baptized me, licensed me to the ministry, ordained me to the ministry, directed me to the right seminary, believed in me, prayed for me, was there for me and my family when my father died, preached my father's funeral, and performed Kathy and my wedding ceremony.
I'm grateful for my father and mother. I have a great heritage and I'm forever grateful. I'm grateful for growing up on a farm and learning the values of faith, family, and hard work. I'm grateful to have witnessed the laws of sowing and reaping for many years and helping prepare my heart for ministry in a way that God still uses to this day.
I'm so grateful for my wife. No one could be a better partner in life and in ministry. I cherish our marriage and our memories. I look forward to making many more memories together until we see Jesus. Kathy keeps me balanced. She believes in me, loves me, encourages me and stands with me. Next to the Holy Spirit, she will always be my greatest cheerleader. I love her so much.
I'm grateful for our kids. It's hard to believe that 8, 5 and 2 are now 29, 26, 23 and 14. This thanksgiving we are spread out. Kathy and I will host dinner at home. Dave and Emily will join us and my Mom is with us. I'm grateful for this day. Our two oldest daughters are cooking their first thanksgiving dinners and hosting friends and family in their own homes - one in Ohio and one in Michigan. I'm proud of them and blessed to be their Dad! I miss them but celebrate the blessings in their lives. Andrea and Charity, you are amazing women and I love you!
I'm grateful for two godly son-in-laws. Matthew and Joshua. I'm grateful they know Jesus and love Him first. I'm grateful they love their wives who happen to be my daughters. I'm grateful they are good providers, protectors and spiritual leaders. I'm blessed to have them in my life.
I'm grateful for two beautiful granddaughters. The love I have for them is greater than I could have imagined. I pray for them and I bless them in the name of Jesus. They bring great joy to my life and put a smile on my face every day.
I'm grateful for the call to serve Jesus. Last night my wife and I went to a hospital emergency room to minister to a family in an hour of great need. I'm nobody - but Jesus is everything. To be the reminder to a hurting family that the Lord has not forgotten them is one of the greatest privileges in life. My heart still aches for their pain this morning - but I know the Lord will sustain them even in life's darkest hours. He is the good shepherd. Everyone needs a pastor - including me - and I'm thankful for mine for the last 19 years - Jeff O'Brien - as we've served the Lord together. Even this week, he was helpful and offered me great counsel on a simple decision. I'm grateful for that.
I'm grateful for the seasons of life. To be honest - I struggle a little with this one - but today I am choosing to move forward with nothing but gratitude. I miss the days when all the kinds were here - but to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. God has a plan. It's fun to watch it unfold. So - I'm about to enjoy what I have for 55 years of life. Family, friends, food, and football!
Most of all I'm thankful for faith - the Lord Himself. He is the hope that is steadfast and sure. He is the anchor for my soul. From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, the Lord's name is to be praised. Hallelujah! and - Happy Thanksgiving!
