When I married into Christy’s side of the family I learned that they had a Thanksgiving tradition that involved going around the table and using 3 kernels of corn as prompts for gratitude.  Each kernel represented something specific for which to be thankful.  Here are my 3 kernels of corn for today (specifically related to 2019):

1. I am thankful for God’s hand upon my daughter Anna.  We were shocked in May by the report that she had thyroid cancer.  We have seen God work moment by moment through surgery to heal and sustain her.  She hasn’t missed a beat at college this Fall.

2. I am thankful for the calling to preach the Word of God.  Preaching this past year in Acts, Isaiah 53, The Tabernacle, The Ten Commandments, and now 1 Corinthians has been such a blessing to me personally.  In preaching I feel the weight of the responsibility but the joy of the privilege.

3. I am thankful for the Empty Nest.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I miss my kids some days so bad that it hurts.  But I truly relish this season with my wife.  We are able to invest in each other and in ministry at an entirely different level.  We function as a team.  There is also great joy in witnessing my kids become adults.  I love the deep conversations I am able to have with them.  I truly like them.

So, there are my three kernels of corn for 2019.  What are yours?