When I think about what I am thankful for, one thing that always comes to mind is the Christian faith I have grown to cherish. I am thankful for my mom who took me to church and catechism classes. I am thankful for the church leaders and teachers who invested in me. I am thankful for the seminary professors who taught me history, theology, and Biblical studies. I am thankful for various church families I have been a part of over the years. In these families I have seen both good and bad times, and the church loved me through them all. I am thankful that I was welcomed back home into the faith even after a time of wandering in the wilderness. I am grateful for countless prayers spoken on my behalf. I am thankful for the truth that "God created us all; He has no favorites..." (Job 34.19).

I have been richly blessed in this life. I have never gone hungry, and always had a roof over my head. I have fathered three children who have grown into fine adults. I have been educated by loving people who gave their lives in service to humankind. Among these blessings I count my faith and the church which is the community of the faithful. My Christian education has brought me to the place in life when the essence any prayer I speak is the same sentiment we celebrate on Thanksgiving Day: Thank you!

Paul