10 Things to Be Thankful for as a Christian

10 Things to Be Thankful for as a Christian

By Dale M. Glading

Somewhere between your second nap and your third helping of stuffing, I hope you will take a few minutes today to thank God for your many blessings. Here are a few of the people, places, and things for which I am most grateful.

1. My salvation. To think that the God of the universe would love a sinner like me so much that He would send His only Son to die in my place is mindboggling… and TRUE!

2. My bride. Getting married is easy but staying married for 38 years and counting is hard. Thank God that He blessed me with a warm-hearted wife who forgives my many failures, overlooks my umpteen faults, and loves me anyway. She is also more beautiful – inside and out – than the day I first laid eyes on her.

3. My kids and grandkids. Back in my softball days, going 3-for-3 at the plate meant that I had a pretty good game. Going 3-for-3 as a father is a far greater accomplishment, for which God and Deanna get most of the credit. As for our six grandkids, let’s just say that they are the lights of my life and give me more joy than I ever thought possible.

4. My friends. When I left New Jersey after 51 years, I also left behind scores of friends, teammates, and other acquaintances. Some of those friendships have survived my move and the 1,100 miles that now separate us… and God has graciously added some new ones who love me warts and all.

5. My church and ministry. Serving as a pastor and ministering to at-risk youth keeps me hopping… and happy. I also get to exercise my God-given writing ability for His glory, which makes me a happy camper.

6. Speaking of camping, Deanna and I just passed the 2-year mark as full-time stationary RVers. We love the simpler lifestyle and the financial freedom it provides. Most of all, living in a 34-foot trailer allows us to concentrate on our two main passions in life: ministry and family. I highly recommend it!

7. Florida. Having lived in the Garden State for more than half a century makes me appreciate the Sunshine State more than you can imagine. Sadly, New Jersey isn’t what it once was… and Florida is more than I could have ever hoped. It is warm and sunny (which is important to someone who is perpetually cold), and I can now play golf and fish year-round. And thanks to our governor and a Republican supermajority in the State Legislature, Florida is F-R-E-E… and getting redder by the minute.

8. My health. In 2020-2021, COVID claimed more than 1 million American lives… and I came close to being one of them. And so, I don’t take it for granted when I step onto the golf course or the basketball court. Two years ago, I couldn’t hold my breath for more than a few seconds without coughing uncontrollably. Now, I can swim a lap of our pool underwater. Those milestones remind me how blessed I am and are proof that God isn’t done with me yet.

9. My country. America is far from perfect and to put it frankly, I don’t like the direction we are heading as a country. That being said, we are still the greatest nation on God’s green earth and it a blessing, a privilege, and a responsibility to live here.

10. Living within 10 miles of my mother, our three kids, and all six grandchildren is a tremendous blessing that we don’t take for granted. I also appreciate life’s simple pleasures like reading a good book, walking our two dogs, or enjoying a good meal. And, as I age, a comfortable bed (and the ability to turn in early) is becoming more important than ever.