Thanksgiving Reflections

I wrote the following thoughts on motives to be thankful as an article for our upcoming church newsletter, the Views.  If you're a member of FBCLS and see it here first before reading it there next week, consider yourself ahead of the game and an overachiever.

As 2015 rushes forward towards its conclusion, I'd like to take this opportunity in the spirit of Thanksgiving to express my gratitude for many things that I count as blessings from God.  I'm grateful for both my immediate family and my church family here at FBCLS.  I count it a high privilege to be able to serve among you.  I'm thankful for countless hours that volunteers have invested this year in many different ministry settings--teaching God's word; caring for children; providing lunches this summer at two apartment complexes; reaching out to Lee's Summit via Downtown Days, Oktoberfest, and Trunk or Treat; and serving the poor, hungry, and ill in Guatemala to highlight just a few areas of service.  I'm grateful for the generosity of our members that make all of these ministries possible.  I'm thankful too for new folks that the Lord has led to join our fellowship this year and for the gifts and talents they bring.  Finally, I'm extremely grateful to serve alongside a wonderful church staff. I am blessed.