Thankful

I'm sitting in my classroom at the Troy/Wentzville campus of Missouri Baptist University watching my students take an exam in New Testament History. I decided to make some use of my time by jotting a brief post in this blog on some reasons why I am thankful. It is that time of year, isn't it?

Certainly these are not exhaustive. But they are the ones that came to my mind without any thinking whatsoever. Perhaps as I reflect over my many blessings the next couple of weeks, I will post further entries on the subject. But, for now, here is my list in no particular order.

1. I am thankful God chose to save me, Jesus chose to die for me, and the Spirit chose to work a work of grace in my life over 36 years ago. What a tremendous difference the Lord has made in my life. I realize there are many moments when I fail to show to others the changes He has made to me, but, when I look back over the past several decades, I can see the Spirit's work very, very clearly. For example, at my high school graduation 41 years ago, who in their right mind would have ever thought I would be a regular church goer, let alone a Bible teacher and a pastor? Not me, that's for sure. Praise God for what He has done. I can never thank Him enough, even if I have all eternity (and I will!).

2. I am thankful for my wife, Debbie. Next to Christ there is no question who has had the greatest impact on my life. Debbie has always been so supportive of me, always so caring towards me, and always my best friend. There have been far too many times when I have failed to show her how much I love and care for her. But, I would rather spend all my time just sitting next to her than to any one else who has ever lived (and that includes Luther!). She means the world to me and I love her more today than I did when we were married.

3, I am thankful for each of my children, their spouses, and my grandchildren. When I was younger, I never thought I would be a father. But God has richly blessed me with 9 awesome children and I mean awesome. In no way do I deserve such terrific kids. And now, 5 of them have wonderful spouses for whom I am also thankful. But the Lord hasn't stopped the blessings with them. Now He has given me 9 beautiful and precious grandchildren (and, I hope, many more yet to come). Blessing upon blessing is the only way I can describe it.

4. Finally, I am thankful the Lord permitted me to be born in the 20th century and in the United States of America. Our country has many problems and our nation has progressively gone downhill since I was a child, but it is STILL the greatest nation in the world. Praise God for His providence and allowing me to be a part of this land!

May I thank the Lord each day for these blessings and may He be glorified by my life.