Now be thankful

I often hear that “getting old isn’t for sissies.”  I know in my life that rare are the days that something isn’t sore, achy, hurts or just doesn’t work like it used to.  Uncle Art (arthritis) isn’t visiting anymore, he has moved in as a permanent resident.  And he seems to want to roam all over in this “tent” of mine.  Yet I have learned that complaining about it doesn’t make me feel any better (actually worse) and it makes others discouraged rather than encouraged.  Instead of causing complaints, the aches and pains remind me that I need a Savior, and praise God I have a great Savior.  He gives strength day by day while promising that some day I will have a different resurrected body.  There is much to be thankful for because of our Savior.

So this week as we set aside a day to be thankful (we should be thankful every day), I encourage you to remember and express your thankfulness to the Lord.  It is easy to post or repost (or text) a simple message or meme of thankfulness.  Maybe it would be more impactful if this year we sent out our top 3-4-5 areas of thanksgiving.  

• I am thankful for Christ saving me 48 years ago.  He saved me from myself and from all the scars that I would have experienced in living life for me.
• I am thankful for my home church that loved me, grounded me in the faith, encouraged me and continues to pray for me through the years.  And I am thankful for a pastor that taught me a passion to share the gospel and care for people.
• I am thankful for my wife of 36+ years who loves the Lord, loves me and loves our family.  She has been the helpmate God prepared for me.  Life and ministry would be greatly diminished without her.
• I am thankful for grandkids!  They encourage me to stay “young,” bring joy to my heart and a desire to pour all God has taught me into them.
• I am thankful for the opportunities to serve God at Murdock Baptist Church.  

What are you thankful for, rather than complaining about, this year? 

Pressing on…

Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor