Thankfuls, 2017

Well, the Thanksgiving sermon is coming along but procrastination calls. Plus, it’s a tradition!

Every night, Erika and I gather with our children for prayer. Each of us is invited to name our “thankfuls,” those things for which we are grateful that particular day. The responses range from the mundane to the poignant, and sometimes veer into the strange (particularly when it’s Torsten’s turn). Thinking about the past year and its many blessings, here’s what I’m thankful for:

• The Sea of Galilee
• Hos, Moose, LoCain, and Esky – soon to be gone but Forever Royal
• Green bean casserole
• Greta, an unending fount of joy
• Wonderful pastoral colleagues, all three of them
• Star Wars LEGO sets
• Walking along the Danube
• Raking leaves with the boys
• Pajama pants
• The choirs of Grace, always willing to make music to God’s glory
• Lake Michigan
• The Thomanerchor
• High-capacity washers and dryers
• The Silmarillion
• Anders, our little turkey birthday boy
• FEAST
• Tickle fights
• The saints, those in light and those among us
• The pair of shoes I’m wearing right now
• Salvador Perez, the best backstop in the business
• The people of Grace
• Freedom
• The call to preach the gospel
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Partnership with the CCE in Martin, Slovakia
• Torsten, who is goofier than one would think possible
• Sabbath
• Laughter
• The renewal of faith found in Word and water, bread and wine
• The Royals, even though they’re going to stink for a while now
• Picture day
• Interfaith conversations
• Badger football
• Christmas trees procured in parking lots at Mexican restaurants
• The Gospel according to St. John
• Hot & sweet pickles
• The Reformation
• Naps
• Erika. Forever Erika
• Jesus Christ, the Light of the World

On this Thanksgiving, may your hearts be filled with Thankfuls!