Life as Thank You 16

Dear Harold,

In an effort to build the discipline of gratitude I am writing an “old-school” thank you note each week. On the weekend a group of us from the old days at DFB (Waldrons, Andersons, Bradburys, Minnix’ Clemetsons. etc) were meeting at our monthly Bible study and, as usual, some of what we have lovingly dubbed “Haroldisms” came up. During our prayer time we prayed for God’s blessings on you and Nancy/Ruth.

I wanted to tell you I am so thankful for you. Thank you for loving Jim into ministry. Thank you for pushing him to start and finish his PhD and for believing in him so much; it made a huge and lasting difference in his life and ministry. Jim owes much of how he served Jesus to the mentoring relationship with you.

Thank you for answering God’s call to ministry and biblical preaching. Thank you for shepherding the staff (at DFB) so they could shepherd the flock. Thank you for marrying us and praying for us. I am more than grateful for the continued thoughts and prayers for our family since Jim went home to heaven. It means more than you know!

My kids never knew their dad as a youth pastor, but they knew a godly man who told them often about the people who changed his direction, who challenged him, who pushed him spiritually and academically, who modeled maturity in the faith and leadership in the home and you are one of the main ones he would speak of. His respect ran deep for you. Thank you.

I’m also grateful for your advice and wisdom, for your input about ordination of women (among other things). May God’s grace be upon you and may goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your long life. May the Lord bless and keep you and May He make His face shine upon you and give you peace.

With much love,

Miriam (Mirm)