Belated Letters Of Gratitude
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 06:17PM Sorry for my one week sabbatical.
Someone somewhere once said, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." ...So here goes.
I'm grateful for the family I was born into, strong parents who instilled in me values and unwavering faith in God.
I'm grateful for siblings who possess varied personalities and giftings. Liz, for her leadership and gift of giving. Suzanne, for her ability to wrap her arms around so many people and love them, all at once. Andrew, whose leadership and love for life, endears him to so many people. James, for his focus and heart for family. Peter, who is fierce for his family and carries such tenderness in his heart.
I'm grateful for my own family. My best friend and love of my life Joyce, who possesses abilities I can only dream of having, a grace that is welcoming and zest for life that is contagious.
My daughter Clair, a gifted wife, mother, friend and minister of the gospel. Her husband and the joy of our lives, Emma and Layla, our precious granddaughters.
Our sons, Drew, who works so hard for the cause of Christ and never complains. Brenden, for his character and stability, and Cameron for his pursuit of knowledge and excellence. They all have hearts for God and ministry. I am a blessed man.
I'm grateful for our church, it's people and partnership. There could not be a more committed people around. They indeed are rising up to take on new assignments as given by our God.
I'm grateful for an amazing team to work with. We are co-laborers and friends, who recognize destiny on our lives. From Susie's care for the House, Betty's efficiency, Bruce's wisdom and laughter, Jason's ability to communicate the gospel, Don's teaching heart in all he does, Sheree's heart, Scott's committment, and Wanda's wisdom and vitality. I could go on and on.
I'm grateful that God planted me in a place called Oak Valley, to live out my dream, as I serve Him.
Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not the head. So to all who have imparted into my life and continue to do so... I open my heart to you... with gratitude.
Reader Comments (4)
WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!! For your vision, leadership, grace, compassion, wisdom, courage, heart to honor God, and on & on, etc...! (Sorry to be so mushy Pastor, but your post made a bit of a man tear form in the corner of my eye). =)
AWWWW....not gonna cry, not gonna cry...thank you Pastors...the honor is definitely mine.
Wow, we are honored to serve with a man or God who is so passionate for God. Thank you for the thanks.
Pastor Tom, I am so very thankful for you, for the heart you have for GOD, for being Obedient when it's not the popular thing to do or say, for living the Love you share and Words you preach, for being my Friend in good and hard times, especially for Always being there over these last few years of the the valley walk. You are truly a great man of GOD and I can't Thank You enough for being my Pastor, my Friend, you are Loved! Many Great things are yet to be accomplished at Oak Valleyand under your leadership we will accomplish all over and above all that we ask or think!!! From my inner most being - Thank You! Stay Healthy, Blessed and Focused!