Giving Thanks

We are told in Psalm 118:1, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" Today, I want to give thanks to the Lord because he is good. There are so many things to share, but I wanted to highlight a couple of friends who have been, to borrow from Ephesians 3:20, "infinitely more than I could dare to ask or hope for." It has been a great week of sharpening by some friends who have lived out Proverbs 27:17 in my life.

First, I wanted to thank one friend who gifted me with an opportunity to enjoy your hospitality. I also reveled in your instruction and genuine concern for me as a friend. Your example of humility and, honestly, love are treasured. Thank you.

Second, I want to express gratitude to another friend whose frankness is always welcome. Your wisdom as a pastor and a professor astound me. Your heart for students and your friends makes me want to be better personally and professionally.

There are many more who I could write about today. But, I have to get back to my day job, Dear Reader. Let me leave you with this: In your life, who do you need to thank today?

Legacy

These past few weeks, my life has been pervaded by the word, "legacy." Last week, particularly, the word "legacy" came to the forefront of my mind because we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Last week, everyone posted different quotes from Dr. King. I read them, and the quotes caused me to consider what my legacy actually is personally and professionally.

As I read Dr. King's "Letter From Birmingham Jail", I began to reflect on what Dr. King lived through as he wrote this letter. I even looked back at the case, Walker v. City of Birmingham that I studied in law school. It's all pretty amazing. His words are as relevant as they were 50 years ago. The questions I have been asking myself this week were some of the same ones he asked fellow clergymen in his letter: "So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?"

He closes his questions with the scene at Calvary: "In that dramatic scene on Calvary's hill three were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime--the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth, and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment." It is my hope that my life screams that, if I am labeled as an extremist, you label me a Christ-follower, an extremist for love, truth, and goodness. That's what I want as my legacy.