Today’s Ten

by Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

Sometimes, it’s helpful to sit down and make a list. Maybe you need to clear your head with a “to do” list—a piece of paper numbered 1-5, identifying things that must be done today. A list like that can help you focus.

Maybe you need to push forward by making a “problems to solve” list. Or, a “people I want to encourage today with a note” list. Or, a short list of “character traits I want to develop in the next 30 days” (you know, like: (a) being more patient, (b) being a better listener, (c) speaking kindly about everyone, etc.).  Hmmm. These kinds of lists can be tall mountains to climb—but, whoa, what a difference they could make in my world and the way I relate to the people around me.

When I’m weary or overwhelmed or tempted to pretend I’m a martyr (the “life isn’t fair” gig that always takes me nowhere) I’ve found that a “Top Ten Things for Which I Am Thankful” list can really be useful. It can be hard to get started on this one (especially when you want to list all of the ways you’ve been wronged or how others have failed you). But, once you get started, everything looks different—and better. “Think then on these things,” the Scripture says in Philippians—things that are of “good report.” It’s always good to hear a good report—and it’s always good to make a list of them.

So, here goes: my Top Ten “I’m Thankful For” List (in no particular order):

(1) The Madison Park Church family and facilities during last week’s North American Convention of the Church of God. I stood in amazement every day of the Convention, watching thousands worship and find life under “our” roof.  It occurred to me that God knew way before we did how useful Madison Park would be for His larger church, even before we built it. And, our greeters, Holy Grounds workers, tech and building crews, parking lot shuttle drivers, and so many more … well, this local church was a shining light, a welcoming, loving, and Christ-like family.

(2) Our Board of Elders. I’ve witnessed once more this week, as I have often before, the extraordinary depth and soul of the eleven other men and women who serve, with me, as Elders at Madison Park. From our Chair, David Sebastian, to our Non-Resident Elders (Rod Stafford and Robbie Davis), we are in the company of giants. Really. Great souls. Sage. Strong. Generous. Godly. Kind. An amazing team.

(3) The Bible. No, this is not a “Sunday School answer.” I am thankful today for God’s Word. It gives life, wisdom, and confidence. The Bible is an anchor. I must never take it for granted.

(4) Chocolate Ice Cream. On sale. Breyer’s, two for five dollars. Nothing fancy—no nuts, no candy swirls, no cookie dough chunks—just plain, smooth, creamy chocolate. Heavenly.

(5) My Astro Van. It’s old (a 1994). It has over 200,000 miles. It’s beat-up in places. Yes, it needs new brakes. But, it works. It takes me here and there. Our four boys were practically raised in the middle and back seats. It’s paid for. The license tabs are cheap. And, driving it keeps me humble.

(6) Waxed begonias. Dave (at Welsh’s Nursery) recommended these annuals to me three years ago, when I was planting flowers for our son’s wedding (which took place in our front yard). He dubbed them “easy to care for and showy.” He was right. Plant ‘em. Water ‘em. Relax. Beautiful.

(7) Makenna. That’s our granddaughter. Have I told you yet how absolutely gorgeous she is? How brilliant? And, well (thanks to her very savvy mom, our daughter-in-law, Nicki), she is a fashion plate—always perfectly coiffed. Well, er uh, I guess she can’t be coiffed just yet—she doesn’t have any hair. But, at seven months, she’s still a knock-out.

(8) Makenna’s Grandma. That’s my wife, Maureen. Every man should be privileged to have a wife like this, who believes in him, loves him, calls the best out of him, supports him, encourages him, and is patient with him (even when he’s late or forgets to place his dirty clothes in the hamper). She is on my “thanks be to God list” every day.

(9) Music. I like all kinds—well, okay, maybe not all kinds. I’m not that enthused about country and Chinese. But, hymns? Awesome. “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” is one I sang to myself today. Contemporary Christian? Classic pop? Prokofiev? Broadway? Yup. They all move me in the right direction.

(10) Grace. I’ve received some. A lot, actually. Undeserved kindness and understanding. I want to share some, too. It only seems right. And, grace always brings peace. Thank you, God.

Wait, there’s more; now that I’m in the groove, I want to write more. But, no, I’m limiting myself to the “top ten.” I’ll make a new list tomorrow. Maybe I won’t have to make any other kind of lists, if I can keep these up every day.  I feel better already.