Grateful

I once heard about a church custodian who always answered the question, “How are you?” in the same way. “Grateful,” he’d say. “I’m grateful.”

At a conference Linda and I attended recently, we were challenged to intentionally live out the biblical call to gratitude (Colossians 3:15, 17; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

We have just returned from a lengthy road trip: 15 States in 18 days. All along the journey, we experienced God’s goodness and want to express our gratitude. Here are three highlights of God’s goodness.

Michael and Elena’s Wedding

We drove into New York city on New Year’s morning and led a walking procession with lanterns through the city to the Rehearsal dinner that evening at a Brooklyn restaurant.   The wedding celebration for our son Michael and his new bride, Elena, on January 2nd was wonderful—honouring to God and joyful for all of us.   After the wedding we drove to Lancaster, PA to spend a day with our oldest son, Ryan and his new bride Jenny (they were married in October).

Seminary Presidents Conference

After the wedding, we continued driving south to Sarasota, Florida to be part of the Fellowship of Evangelical Seminary’s Presidents and Wives annual gathering. We’re grateful to God for letting us get to know others who lead seminaries in North America. We were refreshed by the conversations and presentations.

Southern Seminary

From Sarasota we drove north to Louisville, Kentucky and spent a week on the campus of Southern Seminary. Linda was in class each day working on a doctorate in education. I had the privilege of studying, writing and meeting with leaders from Southern. We are grateful for God’s grace—Linda finished her papers and presentations; I profited greatly from the time to plan and prepare for the coming semester.

Home Again 

When I turned in the rental car today, the odometer said we’d driven 5,495 km. We’re grateful to God for good weather, safe travels and the joy of being home again.   We’re also grateful to serve the Lord here in Canada at Heritage!