Blessed

Some weeks feel blessed more than others. I can honestly say that my bride and I have felt blessed beyond measure for weeks on end. If you follow this blog, you may already have read the article entitled, “Adoption.” The week our son and daughter-in-love adopted our two grandchildren was a blessed week.

A week later, our son, our daughter-in-love, our other son, his girlfriend, and our grandkids came down to spend the weekend. We laughed, went to the beach, ate too much, and laughed some more. On Sunday I was privileged to lead worship for one song on the platform with one of my sons and his girlfriend. Afterward, the church hosted a luncheon for Pastor Appreciation Day. They had taken up a collection for Tina and me. Blessed beyond measure.

The following weekend, Tina and I were able to go to the first church we served full-time and revisit a people and place to which we had not returned in thirty-one years. Kinsey Baptist Church in Dothan, AL was so gracious to us. We shared an enormous amount of friendship, food, and laughter. They were so welcoming and generous. Blessed again.

Last Sunday we again worshipped at First Baptist, as normal. We were glad to worship with our church family. At the end of the service, a lady came down the aisle to be baptized and become a member of our church. I had visited her in her home. She said she was coming and she did! (Not everyone who says they will follow-through.) Blessed once more.

Monday through Wednesday, Tina and I traveled with other pastors and wives to Charlotte, North Carolina. This was a special trip. Our group from Alabama was treated to a fine hotel, wonderful meals, and an all-day exclusive tour of the Billy Graham Library. Inspiring, convicting, and humbling are the three words that describe how I felt as we spent all day Tuesday on those grounds. We visited Dr. Graham’s childhood home and saw his gravesite, alongside Ruth Bell Graham. I am still processing the visit. I would say it may be a bit life-changing to learn how God used a humble and willing man in such great ways. Blessed again.

On the same day we were visiting the Billy Graham Library, a friend of mine began to spread the word about my upcoming book. I was planning on announcing it after the trip, but he lovingly announced it early. This led me to announce it “officially” on the day of our Billy Graham visit.

Retrospectively, I’m glad it turned out that way. After being humbled and convicted by God’s use of Billy Graham, perhaps God allowed me to pull back a bit of the celebration I may have been tempted to enjoy. Perhaps it was more providential than accidental. Blessed yet again.

So, here I am on Friday, reflecting on the past few weeks. I cannot describe the amount of blessings I feel. I can sense my cup running over. I cannot even fully define the word, but I know I am blessed. Thank you, my Father, for blessing my family and me.