I appreciated all your encouraging/empathetic comments last week when I needed them most. I have quite a few things for which to be thankful.

• A Messiah who loved me and gave himself for me
• A wonderful wife who supports me 92% (and the other 8% are my myriad harebrained ideas, which she is right to oppose)
• A son on the way, apparently healthy so far
• A good job that pays well, with a competent, caring supervisor
• Interesting and thoughtful coworkers–friends
• A church that permits me to minister and supports my efforts
• Financial blessings, including minimal loans and steady work
• An opportunity to work on a doctorate
• Teaching possibilities
• Loving family, old and new
• The writings of N.T. Wright, Richard Hays and Adele Berlin
• Libraries full of books
• Rhythm, music

…and many more.

I thought it would be helpful for me to make a list. I tend to focus on the interesting possibilities rather than the wonderful realities. Lord, forgive me–give me gratitude.