Confessional Toward Goodness

I finally finished reading my last book for this year “Discover Your Windows” by Kent Hunter. It was okay – for something my Regional Director “requested” that I read.

One of the last things he says in the book is: "Negative and pessimistic people should never be in positions of influence. Little motivation takes place if leaders are always saying, “It can’t be done.” Pacesetters in your church should be people who believe God is who he says he is, and if he is in something, it’s going to work!"

Ouch! Direct hit. You sunk my battleship. He quotes Isaac Singer, who said, “If you keep on saying things are going to be bad, you have a good chance of being a prophet.” Hmmm. Okay....

I confess to being way too negative and pessimistic. I always blamed it on watching too much Sienfeld. Does it matter why? Nope. I admit that it’s a problem for me; I ask You to forgive me, Lord; and I repent. One way I am repenting is to try to find the good in things. So… I will start today. I hope this list is not exhaustive.

THESE THINGS ARE GOOD

• I have an incredible wife – sweet, beautiful, intelligent, caring, and the rest is not for you to know. =)
  

• My kids turned out better than I ever could have dreamed. Both are in college and have bright futures. They're the best!
  

• I am thankful for my church… for accepting me as I am; for putting up with me and being patient with me; and for being the people that they are.

• I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get paid to live out my faith. How sweet is that?

• We had someone make a $7000 donation to our playground fund last week, AND THEY DON’T EVEN ATTEND OUR CHURCH! We have a dream to provide a park for the people in our neck of the woods. In the last year we put up the pavilion (which is paid for), had someone donate a sign to us, and the lettering, and now we have almost $17,000 towards new playground equipment. I forget how much of a God-thing this is for our little church.

• My parents have been good to me (and without good cause).

• We have many great friends that are a part of our church family. And this year we have made some good friends with people who don’t attend our church. That has been a blessing.

• I am thankful for being able to meet with a pastor friend, Tom, every week. We have seen several others come and go, and I am grateful that he has not. (Don’t let it go to your head though). :)
  

• Even though I’ve put a little weight back on this year, I am grateful for being about as healthy (physically & emotionally) as ever.

• Jane found my pencil drawings from college. I thought they were lost forever.

• I really enjoy this blog (and am even starting to like this template). I’m grateful for those of you who have become friends by reading and commenting here. You have made my day on so many occasions. Thanks.

I’m sure this is just the tip of the iceberg, but it’s a start. Peace, friends. God is good.