Grateful

(I forgot to post this for yesterday.)

Matthew 11:1-19

I signed the paperwork on Thursday for accepting a research grant to help people get clean water around El Paso. I am very thankful for this opportunity, and I pray that God will help us do good work.  I am also thankful for family and friends who supported me financially to go on the two trips to Ecuador, which served as an inspiration for this research project.

Mitch and Natalie helped support my most recent trip to Ecuador.  They have been so influential in our lives.  They were leaders in our first Sunday School class in Austin.  Then they were leaders in our "Bible Life Group".  And out of that group, they were leaders of a home group bible study for years.  We learned so much about hospitality and home group ministry from them.  I called Mitch the other day and tried to tell him how thankful I am for the way God has used him to grow me, both spiritually and professionally.

Of course, I am also grateful for the support of my wife.  She encourages me in my work to do what God has called me to do, and she also helps me keep things in perspective and balance so that I don't get whopperjawed.  She is such a devoted wife and mother, and I am very thankful for her.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness and grace to me.  Thank you for salvation in Jesus Christ, and thank you for your presence.  Please help me keep you always the focus of my life and be listening to your voice and walking with you to see how you will continue to unfold your plans for me to participate with you in advancing your kingdom in all aspects of my life.  Please help me take care of my wife and encourage her, and please help me train my children to love you and seek you.  Please help me be salt and light at school to my coworkers and students.  I love you, Lord.  Please help me practice a lifestyle of thankfulness and gratitude.  I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.