1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

When God’s Word says specifically that something “is God’s will for you”, this should make any Christian stand up and take notice. God’s Word has a great deal to say about thankfulness. But why is thankfulness so important? When we realize that there is nothing that comes to us in this life that does not come from God’s hand, then we, of all people, have the most reason to be thankful. Are you alive and reading this? That’s God’s doing. Do you have a roof over your head, food in your stomach, a family who loves you? God did that, too. Can you walk, talk, and enjoy the company of other people? Yup, that’s God, too. After a summer of activities, I would like to compile a ‘not even close to comprehensive’ list of things that I am thankful to God for:

Air conditioning. As hot as this summer has been, I am grateful for AC everywhere: cars, homes, and our high school library. Of course, I do like to keep it pretty cool, as some board members will attest to…☺

The support of so many people. I am blessed to work with some wonderful people. Our staff, parents, board members, and society members at large have been incredibly supportive of me as I try to be a blessing to DCS, and I am grateful for your words of encouragement and acts of kindness.

Summer vacation. I know, I know, some would say this is the best part of education for educators. However, any chance to rejuvenate, recharge, and change the routine a bit always helps me to better serve the LORD, so I am grateful for the summer time.

Christian education. In a world that falls further and further from God, I am blessed to serve in an area that encourages and supports the formation of young minds for Jesus Christ and that strengthens my own faith as I work alongside like-minded people who love and serve God with all of their hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

Good tasting food. I love God’s sense of humor in this area, as the best tasting foods always seem to have an adverse effect on my girlish figure…

My family. I have a wife and two children that I do not deserve and who remind me daily of God’s grace to me, simply by being in their presence.

Jesus Christ. He is real, and He is active in my life. He chooses to use me and bless me, and I am so undeserving of Him. Thank you, LORD, that you are faithful to me even when I fall so far short.

May God bless all of us to see Him more clearly, so we can be more thankful each day and follow His will for our lives.