In this week before Christmas I am blessed to have the chance to do some serious reflection and offering of thanks. I'd like to share some of those reflections with you with the hope that you too will take the time to be reminded of the amazing blessing our great God has bestowed.
1) My wife, Sue, has provided more joy for me than any human should ever experience. We will complete 37 years of amazing married life this week and I can't wait to see what the next 37 years bring. Every day brings another reminder of how much I am loved by the one that God chose for me.
2) My children, Crystal, Carla, and Danny, keep me humble. As I watch them I am reminded of the boundless love God has for me. I see their faith in the Lord and smile because I know they have figured out for themselves how to build that relationship. I watch as they raise their children and am grateful that they learned earlier than I how to show their love for them. I listen as they express their love for me and simply breathe a sigh of relief that they are so forgiving.
3) The rest of my family, brothers, sisters, parents, in-laws, etc, continue to impact me as they provide ongoing love and support even when I mess things up.
4) The churches that I have worked, and am working, with have all given me something in particular that has helped to make me a better minister.
5) I have some amazing Christian friends who aren't afraid to tell me what they see and hear. They model the Christian life and teach me how to be loved by my great God.
6) Christian music brings me the positive message of love every day.
7) I have more physical things than I could ever need. I am grateful that God has entrusted me with the "stuff" I have. I ask daily that I'll be satisfied and use the things I have wisely.
8) I have so much more than just the "hope of eternal life" in my spiritual blessing bag! Every day I'm reminded of the life God has called me to and the changes he has brought to my life as a result of Jesus' sacrifice.
Thank you Lord for making me whole. Thank you for the people you have placed in my life. Thank you for the places you have chosen for me to live and serve. Help me to serve more fully, to love more openly, and appreciate more clearly every day.
