This year I’m thankful for:
Graduations – Moms (and even Dads!) get all misty-eyed…relatives/friends come
in from all points…it’s usually too hot and too crowded, but there is an
unmistakable feeling of accomplishment and the hope and promise and excitement
of the future * A wonderful trip to New York/New Jersey with the best youth
group in the world…watching Derek Jeter get his 3,000 hit was just icing on the
cake! * My wife – it’s been a hard year with her dad’s passing and a struggle
with her back after a bad fall…and a different year with her retirement and
Anne Carlon’s departure to college. But she always loves and supports her
family and her church. I’m grateful for her every day! * All the people of our
parish who do so much, so quietly and so well. From worship assistants and
Sunday helpers…to choir members and office volunteers and council members…to
those who cook meals for the parish and the youth and our senior adults…to all
who share their faith and commitment outside these four walls – it is truly
astounding what is done in the name of Christ. * Chapel
Hill (bet you never thought I’d say that!) – a wonderful place to
spend an afternoon or a weekend with your daughter and if there is a prettier
place to watch a college football game…I haven’t found it. * A sermon that just
comes together and is ready to go…especially if that happens on a Friday
afternoon! * A new puppy…yes, they are lots of work and yes, they make mistakes
and yes, they are maddening!!! But when it comes to pure exuberance for life,
we could all learn from them * This World Series – baseball fan or not…was it
not amazing??? * Our wonderful Church Staff – how lucky we are to have them…and
how lucky I am to call them all friends. * Reading a good book, in front of a
fire, on a rainy night, with something warm to drink by my side…a pretty great
night for a pretty great price! * Lutheridge * Thanksgiving Day – when we come
together and eat foods we eat only once (or twice) a year – Roast Turkey,
Dressing, Rutabagas (Yes, we’re of German descent!)…when we catch up with
family and tell stories of family who is no longer with us…when we take a walk,
take a nap, watch a little football (Packers/Lions this year!) and pause to
reflect on how lucky we are. I hope yours is wonderful in 2011!
Peace, Power and Love,
Pastor John
