Thanksgiving 2022

I turned 45 back in October. To mark the moment, I posted 45 experiences that I’m grateful for. It seems fitting to revisit them on this Thanksgiving weekend.

But first, an amazing sunset that Aimee captured from our living room window.

1. I’m thankful for God’s step-by-step GUIDANCE.

2. His abundant PROVISION has always been enough and on time.

3. He has given so many GOOD and PERFECT gifts.

4. Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life is an ever-present FRIEND and all-wise TEACHER.

5. My wife, AIMEE, loves me unconditionally and unexplainably. She’s so much more than I deserve.

6. MATTIE JANE is on such a good path. Great relationships. Connecting with and serving others. Working hard. Killin’ it in college. And being a great big sister.

7. JACKSON SAMUEL is a stud. Taking junior year by storm. Making people laugh and feel accepted. A hard-worker and loyal friend. God only knows what’s ahead, but it’s gonna be great!

8. ANDIE GRACE brings so much light and laughter. She rises to the challenge and excels. She’s creative, unique and remarkable.

9. ELLA SHILOH is a joy and treasure. Sweet. Smart. Cheering. Writing. Fun. Friendly. A beautiful gift from God.

10. Godly and faithful PARENTS are amazing, especially when they only live 1/2 mile away.

11. And that’s not all. I’ve also got generous and supportive IN-LAWS in the next town over!

12. Being ONE OF SIX kids has its perks, especially now that all 6 are married, starting families and careers and all living on the east coast. The McG clan is a great one!

13. I’ve got the best friends a guy could ask for. Duane, Tony, Aaron, Scott, Brad are loyal and exemplary BROTHERS. I’m so glad for them in my life.

14. I’m thankful for our house that has been the only HOME our kids have ever known. I love our master bedroom, our newly-formed family room, our patio, deck, firepit and especially my hammock.

15. So grateful for all the handy FRIENDS who’ve helped with countless projects — Tony, Aaron, Glen, Mark, Tom and Tony.

16. My first “career” as a PASTOR at Parker Hill (2001-2021) was, as I said when I first got the job, a “dream come true.” So many great moments, memories and people.

17. I certainly didn’t arrange the details for my second “career” as a PROFESSOR at my three-time alma mater, Clarks Summit University! God orchestrated that move and is working it out so very well.

18. Since 2005, I’ve been able to take teams around the world to join what God is doing in developing communities. I’m so thankful that I get to continue that tradition by taking CSU students on GLOBAL JOURNEYS over Spring Break.

19. I’m thankful that I’ve gotten to know some amazing national LEADERS who are bring the Kindgom of God to bear in far corners of the world — John and Mark Volmink, Selwyn Page, Simon Morilly, James Mwangi, Crizauld Francois, Paul Appolon and so many others

20. I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to TRAVEL to several countries and see a lot of this one. God has made a wide, wonderful world.

21. I’m thankful for the TRIPS that Aimee and I have been able to take — Bahamas, Florida, San Antonio, Washington D.C., California, Hawaii, Ecuador, Kenya, South Africa and Haiti. So many grand adventures with my very best friend.

22. I’m thankful for our FAMILY VACATIONS to ponds, lakes, beaches, Florida, Michigan, California and Bermuda.

23. I’m grateful for our golden doodle, GRIFFIN. I enjoy our daily, morning walks.

24. I’m glad we have a CAT and some FISH, not because I particularly like any of them but because I enjoy having lots of life in our home.

25. I’m glad that Ella planted a GARDEN back in the spring. We’ve enjoyed the cucumbers and are waiting on a few peppers.

26. I’m thankful for good HEALTH for my family and me. I’m glad taht we are all at least somewhat active.

27. I’m thankful for our family’s SPIRITUAL HEALTH. God has been so good at drawing each of us to Himself and nudging each of us toward our next step. None of us have arrived but we seem to all be on the journey.

28. I thank God for our CHURCH — Temple Baptist, Parker Hill, now LCBC-Clarks Summit. I love being part of a community that is helping people find the way back to God. And I’m thrilled that all six McGs are serving in the mission each week.

29. I’m grateful for the WORK and MINISTRY Aimee has found. She’s a gifted and experienced counselor, an encouraging mental health consultant, a SmGpLdr for high school girls and a Captain for Elementary volunteers. She’s remarkable and having quite an impact with her life.

30. I’m thankful for the INNER WORK that God is doing in my heart and Aimee’s. Daily meditation, work with my counslor, vulnerable conversations all seem to be making a difference.

31. I’m grateful for the RESILIENCE of marriage. We have some great highs (like our trip to Hawaii) and some challenging sesons (like navigating one phase after another), but we’re staying in it and growing through it.

32. I’m really enjoying the splendor of each SEASON.

33. WINTER is magical and filled with family and memorable moments.

34. SPRING is worth the wait. We long for it and then get to enjoy the sunshine and new life.

35. SUMMER is for oceans, lakes, pools and now, jetskis!

36. FALL may be my favorite. Cool, sunny days. The array of colors. Apple cumplings. Cider donuts. Pumpkin rolls.

37. Over the past several years, we’ve become BUFFALO BILLS fans. Weekends have become a pretty cool time to bring our family and friends together to cheer on our team.

38. I’m thankful that all four of my kids know how to play the VIOLIN!

39. I rarely hear them play, but I’m glad they know how to. I also love hearing Andie, Ella and Aimee play the PIANO.

40. I’m thankful for my DRUM SET. I still head to the basement and bang around every now and then. Chris Lamb would be proud . . . or maybe not so much.

41. I’m thankful for AUDIO BOOKS. Clearly my “go to” source for reading these days. I’m lovin’ it.

42. I cannot believe that Aimee and I get to go to ISRAEL in a few weeks. it’s been a lifelong dream of hers. We’ll be going with my favorite author and teacher (John Dickson). Being able to experience the “Origins of Christianity” is bound to be unforgettable.

43. I’m thankful that God PROTECTED both of my kids as they totaled their cars this past year.

44. I’m grateful for everything God has brought and allowed into my life over the past 45 YEARS. He has been faithful and good, working it all out for His glory and my growth.

45. I’m thankful for WHATEVER is ahead. I’m confident that the best is yet to come and that whatever comes, I won’t walk through it alone. Jesus goes before me, behind me, beside me, beneath me. He’s with me and within me.