Pastor Jim Mann
“…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV)
My New Year’s resolution is to be more thankful. Back in November I preached a sermon on thanksgiving. Several parishioners balked at my statement that there is always something for which to be thankful. As I was pondering that and Paul’s command to give thanks “in everything,” I realized I wasn’t real sure what that looks like. So I tried a little experiment. I started a list of “everything.”
I’m thankful for Mexican food. Seriously. As I imagined my life without it, I began to cry a little.
I’m thankful for internet click bait. When you click the link and find out what you already knew—that Elvis really isn’t alive in South America—it reminds you how much time you’re wasting online.
I’m thankful for hypocrites in politics and the media. Their hypocrisy it is so open and obvious, yet they don’t see it. It reminds me that I’m probably blind to my own hypocrisy too.
I’m thankful for those guys who post themselves on FaceBook sharing their thoughts in their cars and trucks. How else would I know what to think about the day’s news?
I’m thankful that Denton has a new city manager. Now fix those dadgum roads, please.
I’m thankful for baristas at Starbucks who shout very loudly, “Jim, your pumpkin spice latte is ready!” This keeps me humble in my walk of shame to the counter to pick it up and turn in my man-card.
I’m thankful for all the numbered lists floating around the web. Reading “Seven Things You’re Doing Wrong as a Husband” is encouraging. I’m not doing everything wrong…just seven things!
I’m thankful for specialty Bibles. Having a “Duck Dynasty Bible” gives me a chance to hear Uncle Sy’s interpretation of challenging passages.
I’m thankful for snowflakes. All of a sudden I’m one of the toughest guys you know.
I’m thankful for Snap Chat. How else would I know what my kids are up to since they never call?
I’m thankful that the election is over and all my FB friends are back to posting pictures of their dinners and telling me what the weather is like.
I’m thankful for Dak.
I’m thankful for the brave men and women in our country—like that actor from the Broadway musical, Hamilton.
I’m thankful for my wife—our last anniversary means we’ve been married longer than we haven’t.
I’m thankful I remembered our anniversary.
There’s probably more, but you get the picture. There’s always something! I’ll leave you with one final thought: I’m thankful for Robson Ranch. What a wonderful, welcoming place. God has given us a great community with which to walk through the highs and lows of life together.
Happy New Year!
Jim Mann, Ph.D. pastors New Life Church at Robson Ranch. This interdenominational church meets at the Robson Clubhouse on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Visit New Life’s website: www. NewLifeDenton.org for more information.