“Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24 (NIV)

            Today is my birthday and it is a beautiful day. I have already received an overflow of well wishes and I can hear the birds singing outside as I write. Tonight I will teach my class of graduate students. To quote Norman Vincent Peale when he was ninety one, “I still have work to do.” God has blessed me beyond any measure that I could have ever imagined or hoped for. He has given me two wonderful, loving wives, two children and three grandchildren. He has brought so many wonderful mentors, associates and friends into my life. I live in one of the world’s most beautiful cities and worship with a congregation that loves and serves God.

            I was born to loving parents and grew up in a small town that instilled lifelong values and in a church that encouraged my growth in every way possible. I have a sister that would breathe for me if that were possible. I graduated from wonderful Christian colleges and found devoted Christians in my graduate programs in large state universities. I was privileged to work in a profession and in a work setting that were both challenging and rewarding. When life’s inevitable tragedies entered my life I was surrounded by a loving community of family and friends. As the years passed I have been made more and more aware of the need for encouraging those around me and for promoting a softer tone in our political and religious rhetoric. God keeps expanding my vision and giving me more meaningful work to do. The Bible never speaks of retirement.

Dear God, I am reminded day by day by your generosity to me and most of all by the grace given me through your son, Jesus Christ. Amen

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