Thanksgiving

It is important to give thanks. We say it all the time when we are training our Operation Barnabas leaders as well as with the students entrusted to us each summer: “The mark of a mature believer in Christ is a thankful spirit.” Living in the “attitude of gratitude” is important—not just for those around us—but for our spirits as well. A thankful heart shows a dependence upon God for everything and appreciation to Him as well as people who love and help us. It is not self- centered, but God centered thinking.

We as Americans have a bad habit of relegating our thanks to only one time per year. While Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday—it really should be celebrated EVERYday. So in that spirit, here are some things, in no particular order except the first ones, for which I am thankful--the day BEFORE Thanksgiving:

Jesus, my wife, two healthy neat kids, godly parents, the rest of the family, our dog, an education from godly people, the team at CE National, our church , the guys on the elder board, Warsaw Christian School, one good knee, Fox Soccer Channel, ob leaders and teens who continue to serve and live for Jesus without recognition, youth pastors, ministry partners, our home in Warsaw/Winona Lake, the opportunity to travel far away from Warsaw/Winona Lake, our new youth pastor and his wife, health, turkey and cranberries, any kind of pie, friends.

So here is a part of my fulfillment of the command to rejoice. God is good--tomorrow and everyday.
And I am thankful.