Giving thanks, joining arms and walking together

Thanksgiving is around the corner. The anticipation of time with family and friends, football and food seems to fill the air. In the midst of the celebration and the Christmas season, which seems to come earlier every year, we stop to give thanks.

This last week, I had the opportunity to celebrate two very different events on two opposite sides of our state. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach at the First Philippine Baptist Church Missouri City in the greater Houston area. This church, which was started in partnership with Texas Baptists, celebrated their 36th anniversary.

First Philippine Baptist Church has sent out pastors and has multiplied by planting other churches. The church is reaching Filipinos, Anglos, African Americans, Jamaicans and international students from South America. They are a Great Commandment Great Commission church. I thank God for this great church and their ministry.

The following day, I had the honor of participating in the investiture ceremony of Wayland Baptist University’s new president. I was invited to bring a greeting and to offer the dedicatory prayer over Dr. Donna R. Hedgepath and first gentleman, Pete Hedgepath.

Dr. Hedgepath is the 14th president of the university and the first woman to occupy the office. The Hedgepaths are a fine couple who love the Lord and love students. Dr. Hedgepath is the leader for this school for today and the future! We are thankful for her and for Wayland!

November 30 marks my first anniversary in the role of executive director. The best word to describe how I feel is “thankful.” I thank God for the opportunity to serve Texas Baptists in this role. I’m thankful for the staff that I get to work with. I give thanks for our churches, pastors and leaders. I’m grateful for the 24 institutions that partner with us for the sake of the Kingdom.

On a personal note, I am thankful that three of my adult children, their respective spouses and two of my grandchildren have moved up to the Dallas area, and we get to see them every day! I still have a daughter and granddaughter in Corpus Christ, and I’m thankful they are doing well.

The Scripture reminds us to do whatever we do, whether in word or deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God. Our work, our conduct and our speech can be acts of worship to God. When we do our work and conduct ourselves as representatives of Christ, commissioned by him, we honor God.

Giving thanks to God the Father through Christ is the recognition that what we do, whether work or play, service or leisure, on Sunday or Monday, we get to do it because of God’s grace. Giving thanks helps us not to forget that all of the blessings that we enjoy, small or large, are not of our own doing but a gift from God.

I pause to give thanks to God for his goodness. I stop to say “thank you” to you for allowing me to serve you. And I would be remiss if I did not say “thank you” for your service to the Lord. It is good to join arms and walk together in God’s kingdom.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!