Special Thanks April 22, 2013
Asmost of you know, this June will mark the sixth anniversary of my coming toParker Hills. It’s a little hard to imagine it’s been that long. The time, asthey say, has flown. Last week you marked that anniversary—and my 40thbirthday!—with a most gracious shower of cards and gifts expressing your loveand gratefulness to God. Now it’s my turn to thank you in return.
Theproblem at this point is that words fail me (for once, huh?). I am quiteliterally unable to express the depth of my thankfulness to the Lord and to youfor the kindness and love I have received from you over the past six years. Ican honestly echo Paul in saying that I thank God in all my remembrance of you.I thank Him for your love for Him, your joy in the gospel, your humility beforethe word, your eagerness to grow, your commitment to unity, your compassion forthe poor, your sacrificial giving and service, your goodness to me and myfamily, your careful instruction of my children in all those kids’ classes,your friendship with us, your personal words of encouragement, your graciouswords of correction, the many gifts you have given, the prayers you haveprayed, your impact on my life, and on and on the list goes. How can I respondwith adequate thanks for all of this? Again, words fail.
Butactions may help. I am devoted, as before and even more now, to love you, leadyou, teach you, exhort you, learn from you, endure hardship with you, care foryou, set the pace for you, depend on you, pray with and for you, watch overyou, counsel you, and do everything else a pastor can and must to present hisflock to God someday, well-tended and mature in Christ. It’s my delight to doall this for you, for God’s great glory and your eternal joy.
Inspiredwords may also help convey my heart. As Paul put it:
“Welove you so much that we are delighted to share with you not only the gospel ofGod but our lives as well, because you have become so dear to us. For what isour hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of ourLord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
1Thessalonians 2:8,19,20