Thanksgiving

I was preparing to write up last Sunday's sermon when I realized that the week was almost over. More than that, it is thanksgiving day. I preached on thanksgiving on Sunday; not the holiday, but the importance of having an attitude of gratitude. I hope to write the sermon up tomorrow.

Today, I would just like to share about the things that I am thankful for:

1. Health -- I am 71 years old. I still have most of my teeth, most of my hair and I can still walk without assistance. I seem to be mentally sound, see well and hear most things. I have survived a heart attack and stroke. I am very thankful for basically sound health.
2. A good wife -- Linda has meant so much to me. I was a self centered, egotistical, wild young man. Why Linda married me, I'll never know. But, my marriage with Linda was the real start of my life. She brought me back to God. She has stood by me -- when I was a Naval Officer -- when I went into the ministry -- when we went through some really tough times -- and she is still with me. Oh, how thankful I am for her.
3. A good family -- Both of my children (how can I call two 40ish adults children -- they will always be my kids) are good people. They both know God. More importantly, they are kind and caring. They both love family -- and that includes Linda and me. In my thinking, this also includes my three grandchildren. What neat kids they are! They also love to be with the family.
4. The church -- I have been privileged to serve as a pastor for 28 years, (I have actually been on church staffs for 33 years). I have also been a pastor to the pastors of the San Diego/Imperial Valley (American Baptists). This has not been a burden; it has been a wonderful experience. I am thankful that these pastoral relationships continue.
5. God -- He has been so gracious and patient with me. I have been a slow learner in this thing called life. He continues to work with me to make me something more than I was naturally. I may not be what I should be, but thank God, I am better than I once was.
6. Friends -- I have great friends. I don't know how much to say about this. I will just say that I would not be where I am today without my friends.
7. America -- This country is so great. Does it have problems? Of course and they are both numerous and serious. America's greatness far surpasses the problems. Even in these hard economic times, I live well. I don't have much in the way of luxuries (in fact I could use some more necessities), but I have a roof over my head, food in my stomach and a family by my side. I was privileged to serve in the US Navy for 15 years. I love my country.

I'm sure that there is more, but this is a sampling. I have lived a blessed life. Thank you Lord.