Time to gather around the digital table and share some of the things we are thankful for, and we’ve brought some guests along too.

There is a lot to be thankful for, despite how this year may have gone.

I wanted to gather the writers and a few content creators to share what we’re thankful for this year. As you’re reading this post and checking out the video at the end, share what you’re thankful for in the comments!

Micah: As I sit here writing this, my family and I had just celebrated the life of my aunt, who recently succumbed to pancreatic cancer. We were very close and the 5 month window of time between her initial diagnosis and her passing felt too short to properly prepare my heart. However, my aunt, who knew the Lord as her Savior, was at peace the entire time. She felt and exuded the peace that comes when God warmly embraces a “good and faithful servant”. So I can’t think of anything else I’m more thankful for right now than the peace and assurance my aunt had during her final months. It may sound as cliche’ as it gets, but I’m so thankful that God has placed strong Christian men and women in my life who model Christ for me and give me a first hand look at the power and strength of the Almighty.

Tyler: I’m thankful that the Father redeems broken hearts. In the past year I hit a new spiritual and mental low in my life. There was no real reason but I was struggling with untreated depression for a long time and it finally climaxed in a way that left me broken. My gracious wife held me and took me to work when I felt like a shell of my former self. It was made real to me what the Psalmist said in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” The Father wrapped his arms around me and sent many men of faith to walk beside me and to help restore me. They were able to encourage me to get medical and counseling that has changed my life for the glory of the Father. One of those men that ministered to me was my friend that came to Christ a few months prior. (Pokemon to Christ: A Story of Pokemon and the Gospel) 

Fast forward several months later and I have been ministering to students who have broken hearts that are so much deeper than my own. I am able to share my experience and continued struggles with them. I am able to point them to the one who redeemed my hurt. My brokenness, my weakness, and my depression. All of what felt so insurmountable in my life has been dwarfed by the great love of the Father. My hurt can be used by the Father to start people on a path to healing. In a weird way I am thankful for my hurt and I’m thankful that the Father didn’t leave me there.

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I’m thankful for quite a bit. 2021 was a wild year, at least for the first half. I’m thankful that the second half has been exponentially better and that God continues to provide. Check out the video for more from me, PastorDoostyn, Aki (of AkiAndPeach), Shadeless, and Jon Harrison (Mastering The Game).