If nothing else Christians should be positive. Looking back over the past year of Semi-Theologian I think it’s safe to say that the overwhelming majority of my posts have approached topics, such as the Church and how we engage culture, with an exceedingly critical eye. It’s easy to do, quite honestly. And while I don’t regret anything I’ve said (because I believe there is some value in addressing these topics,) there is, as Solomon wrote, a time for everything. Perhaps now is the time to reflect on the many things I am thankful for.
- I’m thankful for my wife, my beautiful, patient rock to whom I cling when I am down (even when I don’t say anything.) Without her support and friendship there is no possible way I would be the same person I am today. Our relationship has endured the stress that naturally rears its head when two people are joined in the bonds of marriage. The past ten years have taken us there and back again, quite literally in regards to our boomeranging through Illinois. I am thankful she is in my life, and I am thankful for her love and support.
- Time travel daydreaming aside, I’m thankful that I’m alive, here, right now. As horrible as the world looks sometimes, I am fortunate to live in a country where I am able to publically express my views, participate in government (if I so choose,) and provide for my family. I’m thankful for the many friendships I have and for the friendships to come.
- I’m thankful West Ham is doing so well this season. I am not thankful for the fixtures throughout the upcoming month and a half.
- I am thankful for my Family, here and passed. I am thankful that distance and the trivialities of life do not diminish our relationships. I treasure the opportunities to get together to fellowship and celebrate. Or mourn, should the occasion call for it. I am thankful that each of us, while unique in our pursuits, is respectful and supportive of one another. I am thankful for my parents, whom I miss while they are in Florida. I am thankful for my brothers and sisters, and my nieces and nephews, all of whom I love dearly and want to impress with my impressive skills of awesomeness. And when I don’t impress, I’m thankful they love me anyway.
- I’m thankful I was able to receive an education, and for my many professors, some of whom I regret not having more often.
- I’m thankful for opportunities to witness and enjoy God’s Creation. Every opportunity to leave the busyness of life, the traffic and the people, and go outside for a walk in the woods or the mountains, is a gift.
- I’m thankful Darryl hasn’t gotten bit.
- I’m thankful for Fayetteville Christian Church. It took me years to stop pining for the old days in Ohio, where we had a band, in and out of the church, and everything was fantastic. Though I wouldn’t trade that time for the world, Rebecca and I have found a congregation that loves and supports us, and a pastor who has been willing to guide me in the fine art of sermon development.
- I’m thankful for the Grace of Christ and the simplicity of the Gospel. No matter how difficult we make church, it all boils down to the good news of our salvation by grace through faith. Most everything else is just noise, and I am thankful that the veracity of the Gospel is not diminished by that noise.
What are you thankful for? If you’re anything like me, it’s impossible to put into words everything it is you are thankful for, but I’d like to challenge you to take some time to go off by yourself and think about it. Go to Starbucks or your coffeehouse of choice, take a pad and paper, and start to list the many blessings you have in your life for which you are thankful. Share that list with the ones you love or with the world, right here in the comment section!
Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving.
Semi Theologian 