Good News: Five Things I’m Thankful For From 2016

As I look back on 2016, there were some challenging events, but there were also many blessings. There were five things that stood out that I’m thankful for. These five things are my Good News.

1. I’m thankful for my wife Amanda. Amanda had some rough times in 2016, but she has made a tremendous recovery. You can read about it on her blog. I’m so thankful for Amanda and the things that I’m seeing in her life. She is a fantastic wife and mother to our children.
2. I’m thankful for my children. It has now been just over a year since we moved to St. Catharines. Our two oldest children live in a group home an hour and a half away. We don’t see them as often as we used to, but we have longer visits. It has gone well. Things are also going well with our other three children. They have adjusted well to the move and are used to their new school. Little things, like tonight introducing my son to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, remind me of how great it is to have time together.
3. I’m thankful for my health. This might sound surprising as it was not a great year for my health. My sarcoidosis spread and I developed diabetes. However, my health has improved. I’m no longer taking insulin for the diabetes and although today has not been a great day, in general my sarcoidosis has been better.
4. I’m thankful for my church. It was just a year ago that I started as the pastor of Queen Street Baptist Church. I can say with confidence that I am in the right place. I love our church. I am learning new things and I am regularly amazed at the ministry of people within our congregation.
5. I’m thankful for God. I have seen God working in our lives so much over the past year. There have been interventions that have been life-saving. God has provided for us over and over. Even in the most difficult situations, God has been there.

I’m thankful for the things that have taken place in 2016 and I look forward to what will happen in 2017.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4)

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