time for a little gratitude list…I’ve been doing some ruminating about the people and things that I’m grateful for. Part of my time with God each day is spent giving thanks, and here are some of the recurring things that I have written.
-a local body of believers who are not satisfied with the status quo, who defy the church growth experts’ statistics, who give and serve with passion and faithfulness
-solid leaders who pour themselves into the lives of middle school and high school students week after week
-a lead pastor with a passion and vision that challenges me to step up, risk, and stretch
-kayaking buddies
-friends who get what community is truly about
-nature–it’s one of the main ways that I connect with God, get re-energized and refreshed
-rain!
-other youth pastors who value WE & OURS more than ME & MINE
-mentors, men and women, near and far, recent or past, who have spoken into my life, shaped my heart for God and good, helped me take the next step
-my kids. each one is unique, and amazing!
-my incredible wife! I know that I out-kicked my coverage…what can I say?
-God’s presence…after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? He wants to be our God, and wants us to be his people. Presence changes everything…my heart, my perspective, my hope…
Some of these things appear day after day. Some run through my mind in the moments I’m writing. But all of the re-calibrate my heart toward thankfulness, and away from bitterness, jealousy, and envy. Erwin McManus says that the only thing that heals the emotional fracture of brokenness is the oil of gratitude. So with that in mind, I choose gratitude.
You can listen to a great talk from Erwin on the Character Matrix here.
What are you graterful for?
2 Comments
Kim · October 16, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I have no idea what- “I know that I out-kicked my coverage” means??? nope…nadda…not a clue!
I know “coverage” has to do with football…maybe?
🙂
kim
Matt · October 20, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I thought it was a brilliant football analogy.