I have a lot to be thankful for, and I have honestly made it my practice for many years to try to be a person who constantly says “thank you,” especially to God. I am still alive and healthy, as are my wife, children, mom and in-laws. I married the love of my life 20 years ago, and we are still very much enjoying being together. I still have good eyesight, I have never been physically stronger, and I am relatively pain-free.
I have been blessed to pastor the same church for 17 years, and I am further blessed to be allowed to preach a great number of revivals, youth rallies, marriage conferences and other special meetings each year.
I truly have a lot to be thankful for. The above list does not even begin to scratch the surface. This morning, though, I am particularly grateful for paper and ink, specifically that which goes into this newspaper and the other 10 papers my column is carried in across five states. When I began writing this column, there were some blessings that I did not anticipate, things over which I have been pleasantly surprised. These blessings consist of the regular contact I am receiving from you, the readers, and the friendships that have developed through it.
Each week I receive prayer requests. Sometimes it is for a lost loved one, sometimes for a broken heart, sometimes even over a cherished pet. It has been and will continue to be my highest honor to lift those matters up in prayer before the throne of God.
Often I receive precious letters from people who have read the columns and then bought my books. Last week I got one of those from Georgia. From Tennessee came several letters seeking counsel. Sitting down at my desk and putting pen to paper to answer correspondence like that never fails to encourage my heart.