This is Thanksgiving week and I am grateful to God. Like you, I can make quite a list of what I am thankful for. I will give you some of the reasons why I am grateful. Perhaps in the comments you will be willing to share what you are thankful for.
*I am grateful to God, that through Jesus, I can have relationship with him. As a result, I am also privileged to have relationship with many, many people in his church.
*I am grateful to Charlotte, for decades of marriage, for being a partner with me through each chapter of our adult lives. Together we have lived in Florence, Ala.; Pulaski, Tn.; Dallas, Tx.; Abilene Tx.; Florence, Ala. (again); Kansas City, Mo.; Waco, Tx.; and Memphis, Tn.
*I am grateful to our children Christine and Jamie (about to give birth to our new grandchild) our son-in-law Calvin, and two sweet grandchildren, Brody and Lincoln.
*I am grateful to the churches we have worked with. I am so thankful for Crestview Church of Christ where Charlotte and I invested twenty years of our lives. What a pleasure it was to serve with this church in Waco, Texas. To this day, these people encourage us. We raised our children in Waco and have so many friends there.
I am also thankful for other congregations. Just this week, Charlotte and I talked about how important our experience was in Pulaski, Tn. where we worked with a wonderful church (Richland View). They loved us as newly weds and I will always be grateful to these good people.
I am also grateful for the College Church of Christ in Florence, Ala. where I served as their preacher for almost eight years. I learned so much during these years and grew in a lot of ways. I will always be thankful.
*I am grateful for the mentors and encouragers I have been blessed with for many years. I asked these people for their time and they patiently drank coffee with me and allowed me the opportunity to ask many questions.
*I am thankful for the six mentoring groups I led while in Texas. The ministers who were in these groups make me proud.
*I am grateful for Harding School of Theology in Memphis. Since January 2014, this school has been the base of my ministry and much of my life. I am thankful for the faculty, the staff, and our wonderful students. What an outstanding school! I am grateful to work with and minister with such a wonderful group of people.
What about you? What are you especially thankful for?
I’m thankful for so much! My wife and two daughters are at the top of the list. I’m also thankful for the extended family that exists within our fellowship in the Churches of Christ. I’ve been blessed by so many great relationships. It was great meeting you this past summer and I’m so thankful for all you do here at godhungry.org and beyond. Have a great Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for, among other things, your blog. This is the best resource for encouragement, practical instruction, and interesting topics. Well-done, Jim. Wishing you and your family a great Thanksgiving week!