On behalf of our special day tomorrow, I would like to share with you all some of the things that I have to be thankful for. Things that the Father continually brings to my mind again and again, reminding me of everything I have in this life... and the life to come. (I was even reminded of one as I was entering into the Regent building this morning!) This list should not be taken as arrogence or vain conceit on my part. Rather, I openly thank God for things that have so freely been given to me. May these things possibly echo some of the blessings of your own life!
FAMILY: I have been blessed with parents who deeply love me, as well as demonstrate a deep love for each other. I have a sister who remains a strong encouragement to me... and a brother whose friendship to me is priceless (both of whom I enjoy - am enjoyed by - and am continually challenged by.) I am an intricate part of a close family, and feel connected to an ongoing passionate love in a way that goes beyond what is typical in the world today. I am who I am today because of the rich enviroment that God allowed me to be raised up in.
FRIENDS: There are more than I could even begin to express. There are people in my life that continue to remain near to me... deeply involved in the Father's shaping of my heart and life... people who have walked many miles with me and helped to carry my burdens when my load was overwhelming. For Dan Franklin, with whom I possess an undying friendship (one that has truly stood the test of time), a man whom I consider it a privledge to call my best friend. For Mac Davis and Wendy Hughes, two friends whom the Lord used to keep me going on the path that I was contemplating walking away from, two people who represent authenticity to me in a seminary setting. For Mark Eaton, a man who continues to lead the charge for men all around him, a man in whom I found an ally over a cup of coffee, a man who knows what it means to be honest about faith and life... and to embrace what we were made for. For Bill Mueller, a man who continues to walk me through what it means to be in ministry, someone who has always kept an "open door" policy with me... and invited me to see "grace" in a new light. For friends at EBC, you continue to be used by God to nurture my faith, as well as prepare me for ministry, you continue to invite me into your lives and make me feel drawn in. And for all my other friends, who are just as near and dear to my heart... people who care about me - thank you for partnering with me in this thing called "life".
REGENT: It is such a privledge to get to study here in Vancouver. There are people who would give anything to be where I am at right now... and yet I so often take it for granted. I am being formed in powerful ways here, and I want to cherish every moment - not for the tests and books and papers... but for the friends and subtle mentors in my life whom have impacted me, and whom I have hopefully impacted.
FREEDOM: I live in the midst of boundless freedom. Freedom in a land established upon a freedom which has been won for me through the spilled blood of men and women whom I will never meet. Freedom to worship openly and confess Christ freely and boldly. Freedom to speak my thoughts without the risk of being imprisoned or losing my life. But even more... freedom in Christ, to live and move and find my identity in Him and Him alone (apart from all works of the flesh). Freedom which was given to me even while I was still an enemy of God. Freedom to be fully human, to not live perfectly, to not love perfectly, and yet to be forgiven in the eyes of the Father.
FAITH: Father God, You alone receive the praise for who You are in my life! I will never be able to fully comprehend how much You love me... and yet You continue to show me throughout every waking moment. We walk together in ways that desperately confuse me at times... ways that make me feel so tremendously exposed as a man... and You move in ways beyond my understanding. And yet You so compassionately love me... express Your tender patience with me... speak to my heart in some of the most meaningful ways... and You love me! You love me for who I am... and for who I am becoming. You love me as a child of Yours... and Your heart is only for me and my best. And though I question Your ways, and so often mistake Your love for meanness, You continue to move closer and closer to me... drawing me to You in intimate ways.
HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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You too Dave! God bless! :)
ReplyDeleteIdiot, why does he even have a blog. Why waste my time with this poop?
ReplyDeleteThis guy sounds to happy, to content. Where is the pain, the angst, the desire to live above the status quo? Maybe this guy has it to good. Shouldn't life be about struggle? Most of the people that folks look up to are those who have had to struggle in this world. This guy needs to get a job washing dishes somewhere, then he would know humility, and in that humility he might find the desire to do great things.
ReplyDeleteThis guy sounds to happy, to content. Where is the pain, the angst, the desire to live above the status quo? Maybe this guy has it to good. Shouldn't life be about struggle? Most of the people that folks look up to are those who have had to struggle in this world. This guy needs to get a job washing dishes somewhere, then he would know humility, and in that humility he might find the desire to do great things.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, Dave did have a job washing dishes for at least one year and I think even more.
ReplyDeleteNothing he wrote sounds arrogant to me.
Dave DID have a job at KFC, which most would turn up their noses at. Whoever posted those negative comments, leave your name and email address next time and don't hide in anonymity.
ReplyDeleteLove your guts Dave.
To the person or persons who felt the need to express themselves regarding Dave's posts, I would say that I certainly respect your right to do so as all of us enjoy the right to our opinions. But a suggestion regarding your use of free speech: those who wish to accuse someone of a lack of reality ought to know the individual about which you speak. I grew up with Dave and can attest to the fact that he has dealt with trial and hardship just as we all have. It is not the level of hardship that one must suffer that qualifies us as living a "real" life; it is how we each respond to those difficulties that identifies us as someone who has lived life and grown through it. Dave has done that, and if he now chooses to be thankful and express his gratefulness for what is good about his life, that is his right. Again, I respect your right to disagree with Dave's post and even to write something about it; but your response proves more about you than it does about Dave. -- Sarah D.
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