THE FINGERPRINTS ON MY LIFE!

I just finished writing a letter to a man who intersected with our family while we were living in Spencerville, Maryland.  He has had a rough couple of years with his health and may be celebrating one of his last birthdays.  The letter was easy to write because of his generosity and expressions of creativity to us during that brief and challenging stint of our lives.

Writing his letter gave me cause to think about the many people who have engaged meaningfully with me (us) over the course of our lives.  Relationships are so much more valuable than possessions - there really is no comparison!  

As I grow older, I can't help but notice that my expressions of gratitude seem to continually expand and grow.  Perhaps it's perspective?  At this stage of life, its no longer hubris that catalyzes my life.  From my limited perspective, hubris evolves to humility!  I am humbled by the grace of God in the ways He has protected and provided for me and my family!  I can never praise Him enough!

I vividly recall the many years of high motivation and goal-setting.  I felt that I was invincible!  I had education, potential, giftedness, good background, excellent education and so much more!  Look out, world - here he comes!  🙄  I must have been intolerable at times!  These are the signs of youth and young adulthood as we stretch into our new wings and learn to fly!  

But there are SO MANY fingerprints on my life!

• Parents - It would take a book to analyze and describe their dynamic, positive influence.
• Debbie and my kids - That smiley-faced girl that rocked my world when I was sixteen is still deeply forming and impacting my life!  She is my greatest earthly treasure and she has had an enormous impact on me in so many wonderful ways!  The pride I have in our kids and the joy I take from their pursuits and adventures is beyond description!  We deliberately raised them to be independent - even though we knew that doing so would limit our exposure to them.  But, WOW! have they flourished!  Travis gave us opportunities that we would never have dreamed of!  Troy's intermittent contacts with us bring delight and meet our needs so marvelously.  He is highly regarded by many [as is Missy], and is a godly man!  Tracie and Jon gave us two of the most wonderful gifts in Rylie and Coltin!  She amazes us with her efficiency, confidence and dedication to her family!  She models so many admirable qualities!  If you have anything negative to say about Jon, don't say it around me!  He's an amazing husband and father and I thank God for him daily!  
• Teachers - From Sunday School through two master's degrees!  Particularly those that took an interest in me and invested their time and attention.  I was 'in school' - in one form or another - until I turned thirty-nine and completed my M.A. Counseling, so there were a lot of them! 
• Parishoners - Those who accepted me and invested in me with wisdom and grace.  Certain members actually became mentors of grace, passion and patience.  There are so many that I should write about because their influence was significant!
• Friends - From the influence [positive and negative] of childhood and high school friends, the camaraderie of college friends, the friends and neighbors that graced our lives all along the way, and the family friendships that added so much value and meaning to our lives!  But, there were also men in every place we've lived who made themselves special in a panoply of ways:  

            >  guys that shared my passion for the faith and growth of the church!
            >  backpacking buddies.
            >  in earlier years, young men that shared my love for sports.
            >  men that I was privileged to lead to faith in Christ and guide in their early walk with  Christ!
            >  fellows that became my helpers with my cars, other projects, or who were work  associates in the many extracurricular activities that I invested in.

I've always pointed out to Debbie that some of the best stories are about men who connect deeply, share without limits and experience the joys of life together!  I've been blessed to have many in that category!  

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Are you getting the message?  

I've long described myself as the 'prosperous man' that is talked about so frequently throughout the scriptures!  

So, on this eve of the eve of Thanksgiving, Lord, I publicly thank You for Your continual kindness and favor to me!  I marvel at Your generosity and provision!  I am grateful for family, friends and fellowship all along the journey of my life!  

Continue to guide and instruct me through these latter years of development.  Help me to keep learning and growing that I might be ready and able to contribute to the lives of others who You might cause me to intersect with!  

You are an awesome God and it is my privilege to serve You!  

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Maybe you'd like to make a list of the people who have impacted you throughout the years?  It's a good way to frame your 2024 celebration of Thanksgiving!