I’m Grateful For…

Today is World Gratitude Day!  Did anyone else know that?  I didn’t until early this morning.

Anyway, because it is World Gratitude Day, I would like to list the things of which I am most grateful.  To simplify this list, I’ve broken the items into three categories: Family, Friends, and Ministry.

Note: When I started writing this blog post I realized that I am truly blessed, and have a ton to be grateful for; therefore, I’ve had to cut back what I’ve listed.  If I’ve missed you, then please forgive me.

Family

• My God. The head of my family, and the most important person to me.  Without him I would not have life, and an exponentially wonderful life at that.
• Bridgett, my beautiful wife.  She’s the best woman I’ve never met.  She keeps me grounded, which is a full time job.  Eventually, I’ll learn to listen to her, because she’s right 99.9% of the time.  What’s ironic is that today I’m stating my gratitude of her on the 7th anniversary of my asking her to be my girlfriend.
• My parents. They raised me to be the best that I can be, and no less.  Never give up.  Never give in.  These are just a few tidbits of what I was raised to believe.  In the end, either my success will be above anyone’s imagination or I’ll go down in a blaze of glory.  Because they raised a stubborn country boy, there is no middle ground.
• My brother and sister. I am so very proud of them.  What they have accomplished through the grace of God is above comprehension.  God has so many great things for them in the near and far future, and I’m excited to see what’s going to happen.
• My parents-in-law. Although we disagree with a lot of things I still honor them as Bridgett’s parents.  By bringing her into their home I am eternally grateful, because it led Bridgett to me.  Also, they have shown me that sticking to convictions are as much a priority now as in the past, and can be accomplished.  I don’t have to compromise.

Friends

• Tim and Kim Hodge. Wow!  That’s all I can say.  You will always be my personal pastors.  What you’ve poured into Bridgett and me can never be repaid, but I hope to try.  Thank you for your service to the Kingdom of God, and for being such awesome examples to follow.  You are truly living 1 Corinthians 11:1.
• Chuck and Stephanie Barrineau. I consider you friends and a big brother and sister in Christ.  It is just a blessing to be around you both, and I always look forward to spending time with you even though we can’t do it often.
• Greg Amos. Thank you for being who you are, and for believing in me so much.  You, in your high position, could have easily brushed off a 17 year old kid all those years ago, but you didn’t.  You also are one of the most humble men I’ve ever met.  You are a huge example to follow for a young leader.
• Dwight, Jodi, Dalton, and Leah Brazell. What would we do without you?  Probably stay bored.  You are awesome friends.  Ones whom I believe God gave to us as a special gift.  Even though you changed our names from Dewaine and Bridgett to Derrick and Gidgit.  Haha!

Ministry

• Restoration Ministries. What you taught me about church leadership and service to others will never leave me.  Thank you to everyone who put up with Bridgett and me, and being patient while we learned.
• Life-Givers Ministries. Although Bridgett and I have only been your youth pastors for about a year we’ve been around since your birth.  We’ve seen your growth and establishment as a ministry that God’s presence truly resides in.  I am excited about your future and how you’re going to blow up Berkeley county, figuratively speaking.
• Bonneau PHC. You are my home church, and will always be.  You are were I received my salvation and my calling to be a pastor.  I have so many fond memories of my time there, and part of my heart will always be there.
• South Carolina Conference. I’m not sure how you could ever give me a minister’s license.  How someone would trust me with this kind of authority is amazing.  Just kidding.  Thank you for letting me do what I can do for the Kingdom of God.

To what are you most grateful?