Reflections on Thanksgiving

In the aftermath of the holiday its easy to be less than grateful. With the turkey passed, the family all returned home, and the festivities all over, it is all to easy to return to the monotony of our schedules without thankfulness still in our hearts. I want to pause, then, this Monday morning, and reflect on what I am thankful for.

2013 has been a dramatic year for our family. A lot has changed in a short period of time. There’s much to appreciate and thank God for as I look back now. I am particularly grateful for the new job I received back in April. We were going through a difficult season as a family. I could no longer serve as associate pastor at Revolution. The church was financially struggling and I was let go. It was a difficult transition from pastoral ministry into doing financial paperwork for a used car dealership. I was very appreciative of the job, and of those who worked to secure it for me, but it was not where my heart was. As we discussed options a friend emailed me and told me to send my resume to a church in the Detroit metro. I am so glad I did.

Cornerstone has been wonderful for our family. We continue to meet people who pray for us, express great love for us, and who demonstrate a real desire to know and serve the Lord. We love the weekly expositional preaching, the passionate worship of our people, and the relationships that we are already beginning to build. I have loved the opportunities to serve and disciple. I love that I get to spend my days reading books and talking to others about Jesus. I love our Recovery program and the commitment our people have made to it. I love the ambition and desire of our congregation to plant more churches and reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the desire to grow reflected in our people’s participation in Free Seminary and Biblical Counseling training. I love our people’s commitment to becoming better disciples, reflected in their involvement in Small Groups. I love our people.

It’s not always been an easy transition. We miss many things about Revolution, mostly we miss our church family there. But I am thankful for things like Facebook, which have allowed us the joy of continue to be involved at some smaller levels in their world. I don’t know that I would have expressed “thankfulness” for Facebook last year, but this year it has become very important to me as I build new relationships and continue to hold onto old ones.

I am thankful for increased writing opportunities. It’s been a joy and privilege to continue to develop my writing. This year I have gotten to write a number of articles for The Gospel Coalition, had a weekly column picked up by Christ and Pop Culture, and even got to appear on a radio program because of some of that writing. I enjoyed getting to interview Dr. Gregory Alan Thornbury and develop an acquaintance with a man I greatly respect. I am looking forward to more of this.

I am thankful for our new life here in Michigan. I love our house, and am especially grateful for Krista’s labors in making it a home. I am thankful that Mia got plugged into a good school and that she likes it – most days. I am thankful that we have gotten to try all sorts of new ethnic foods with their rich and varied tastes. I am thankful for the Norbecks who have become dear friends to our family. I am thankful that we can settle down into this new life.

I think most of all this year I am most thankful for my wife and kids. That doesn’t seem to change year to year. I love my kids and it has been a joy to watch them grow and develop. Mia has become a reader and loves books now, like her mom and dad. That has brought lots of happiness to my heart. Zane loves everything. He has the most positive spirit about him. Whether we’re trick-or-treating in the pouring rain, or whether he is getting the mail from the mailbox everything is his favorite. He brings consistent joy to our home.

Krista is my particular joy. When I sit and think about my love and appreciation for her I don’t even know where to begin. She is a great homemaker, a great mom, and a great cook. She has amazing talents in music, home decorating, fashion, and writing. She entertains me with her sense of humor, her wit and intelligence. She cares for me, puts up with me, and helps me to grow. She is my best friend and though I don’t understand it all the time, she continues to be my wife and I am tremendously grateful for that.

This has been an entirely self-indulgent post, I recognize that. Others will glean little from it for their own benefit, but, as with many posts, this one is a good reminder to me. As I step into another usual Monday, as I come down off the holiday-high, I want to cling tightly to the thankfulness that I should have before God. I am thankful for many things this year. Thankful to my Lord and Savior who gives good gifts, most clearly demonstrated in the good gift of His Son. He has saved me from my sin, and why He continues to bless me beyond that is a clear testimony of His abundant grace. Thank you God for all of it.