On my way to work this morning, I was run off the road by some crazy driver who probably was up all night camping out for an on-sale Tickle Me Elmo.  He kept creeping over in my lane until my tires were scraping the curb. Personally, I think honking is highly overrated and I RARELY ever honk.  But in this case, when my life flashed before my eyes and visions of my car flipping and exploding like the movies, I honked.  He got back over in his lane, and when I looked back the sinister man was laughing.  Evil. 

So, I’m at work.  I’m not into the BLACK FRIDAY shopping experience, anyway.  REALLY, I’ve never gone shopping on this day.  I think that it, too, is overrated.  What’s the hype with the 100’s of crazy people pushing and shoving their way to the check out?  There are a select few people who I think of every year who have camped out at Best Buy and got REALLY GOOD deals.  But otherwise, shopping today, is crazy!  For Christmas this year with my family, we decided to save money, not buy any gifts, and then do something together over break.  WHOOHOO.  I’m looking forward to that! 

So, perhaps in my ranting, you’re under the impression that I’m not grateful at a time of year when I really should be.  On the contrary, friend, I’m very thankful–I have EVERYTHING to be thankful for…I’m so thankful to God for bringing us to Louisville, I know He wants us HERE…I’m so thankful for being surrounded by encouragers–both family and friends…I’m thankful for His provision–He’s supplied AMPLY for us down this church planting road and confirmed in our hearts every step of the way…I am thankful for discouragement that He has allowed to help us learn to rely on Him.  He has proven Himself faithful many times throughout this journey.  HE IS TRULY GOOD!

Yesterday, we had a Thanksgiving meal with our small church family who weren’t going anywhere for the holiday.  We passed out flyers at a couple of apartment complexes inviting anyone to our Thanksgiving meal who might not have a place to go.  Out of 600 flyers that we passed out, we received one guest.  I really admire the guest who came.  To come to a meal where you know NO ONE is brave.  She is going through a difficult time in her life with family issues, and mentioned that she had no clue what she was going do to for the Holidays.  She mentioned how she was grateful to receive the invitation to go somewhere and not be alone.  You know, this church plant has been so difficult, but as I sit and think about it, it’s people like her that make what we’re doing in Louisville worth it….for the opportunity to reach out to hurting people, to show them a glimpse of Christ’s love, to plant seeds that you may never see come to fruition.  It’s all worth it.

So, today, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to meet people along my journey with Christ—to help show others His love, as we’ve been commanded to do.  Indeed, I am very grateful.  May my thankfulness be unmistakable.

AND, it’d be wrong of me to leave this one out….Yet, a couple more “things” I’m thankful for…Michael put on our little friend’s Halloween costume when they came over.  I couldn’t resist posting the pic!  TOO CUTE!