This is a day of thanksgiving. There is so much I have to be thankful for. The years that are behind me that have taught me what is important in life. I'm in South Bend, the place I grew up, and everywhere I go there are reminders of past pleasures and mistakes. Youth is blinding, but the years have a way of pulling off those blinders and revealing the lack of understanding of those younger years. I'm thankful for this because it is evidence of growth and maturity that God has instilled. I'm not the smartest guy in the room, but I'm thankful that I'm not the same guy I was in those early days.
My family is my greatest earthly treasure. This hometown that I am resting in today, is also a reminder of God's hand in bringing Jennifer to me. We were an unlikely pair. We came from different groups in high school and from very different life perspectives. God literally reached down and chose us for each other. As I think back - we both had very little choice - God just made it happen. I'm thankful for that, because almost 30 years later I see the wisdom of that choice. We have been good for each other. If I were to go back and change anything, it would be me being a better husband in those early years. Other than that - it has been a good life with Jennifer.
She has given me 5 wonderful children who are smart, talented, and just good kids. They are all unique and I get so much joy from watching them grow, mature, and become the God designed individuals that they are. If I left this world today, I would have no regrets.
I'm thankful for my travels to India, Nepal, Philippines, Burma, and other places around the world that have taught me how wonderful a country we live in and has also taught me that all people are basically the same. We all need the love of Jesus - and the love of Jesus changes us all in the same way.
I'm thankful for my mother and father. As a kid I never had a thought that dinner wouldn't be on the table or wondered if my parents would get a divorce. Every kid has problems with parents as they grow up, but as I look back I see a stability that I did not appreciate then. I knew I would have what I needed. I knew I would have a home. They both worked hard and were able to put the struggles of life 2nd to taking care of me and my brothers and sister. Their love was tangible.
I'm thankful that God has let me be a pastor. I really don't think I could do anything else. I've pastored a few churches that were difficult - I suppose that's because churches are filled with people and people always have the potential to be difficult. The church that I now serve in is a special gift from God. Tons of potential, lots of good people, and a sense of destiny that I have finally found the right place - a place that God has had in His mind all along. He was just waiting for me to be ready to handle the challenges.
Yep, if this was my last day - I could not complain. I really think that I have it all. I know there will be some more challenges along the way, but those will end up blessings too. Of course the greatest sense of thankfulness is the reason that everything I've just written about has value. 30 years ago my eyes were opened to understand who Jesus is and what He did for me. The life of Christ living in me has made all the rest sweeter. My family, experiences, and any accomplishments God has allowed, have their greatest meaning in the shadow of Jesus' love of me. I am so undeserving, which makes me even more thankful.
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