Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Today is my 56th birthday. I’m writing this on a cruise ship somewhere in the Carribean Ocean. My family is doing really well. At my physical last week, my doctor declared me in very good health. Not only that, I am currently enjoying a three-month Sabbatical from the incredibly generous and faithful church I lead in suburban Dallas.

Today is also my 33rd wedding anniversary (anniversary and birthday on SAME DAY!). Above is a picture of me and Jana on a recent biking adventure in southern California. Hard to believe it was 33 years ago today we tied the knot! God has been very good to us.

I recently heard someone say, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” This is very true. I have battles. I live in the same tumultuous world as you, and I feel the uncertainty of it, the challenge of it, the heaviness of it.

But today what I mostly feel is gratitude. Monumental, overwhelming gratitude. There is no way I deserve the blessings I have been given by God thus far. And even if it all falls apart tomorrow I could not complain.

Finally I thank God for all of you, friends old and new, work colleagues, family members, church members, school friends. I am grateful for having known you, having learned from you, having shared a bit of life with you.

Love and blessings to all of you!