Soma Family

Despite the adventurous path God has set me on, I would have never imagined myself relaxing in a hotel room while writing an article for the Soma Family Magazine, looking out my window and gazing across the landscape of…Michigan. People always told me that the purposes and calling of God might take me places I had never dreamed…and they were right! Who would’ve thought this Buckeye born boy from the scarlet and gray state of Ohio would ever have need to visit Michigan?!

As funny as that may seem, there is truth radiating from my experience.

I love my life. I love what I do and I love the people I share my life with. It is times like these; the times I find myself in the center of God’s plan, that fill my heart with gratitude for where I’ve been and where I am going.

And so as I sit here, in my conference hotel room in Michigan, I am reminded that there is one reason I am where I am today.

I can trace my success and fulfillment back to one simple thing in my life…and so can you! I can trace everything back to Relationships.

If it wouldn’t had been for my mom and dad, I wouldn’t have been born and raised with love. If it wouldn’t had been for my relentless ma-ma, I wouldn’t have studied the Word of God when I was only five years old. If it wouldn’t had been for my persistent aunt, I wouldn’t have started my spiritual journey at New Hope church. If it wouldn’t had been for Don Crooks, I wouldn’t have visited the altar. If it wouldn’t had been for Jesus, I wouldn’t have experienced salvation at that altar. If it wouldn’t had been for all my wonderful youth leaders, I might not have stayed in church. If it wouldn’t had been for another man named Don in our church, I might not have considered traveling from Lancaster to Chillicothe to enroll in the Southern Ohio School of Ministry. If it wouldn’t had been for Stan at Open Door, I might not have felt so accepted so quickly at a new large church. And if wouldn’t had been for Mark and Nicki Pfeifer, I would not have found my purpose and calling in life…and I definitely would not be sitting in Michigan at a conference to sell their books and teaching cds!

Can you see the impact those relationships have had on my life?

And those are just a few. I could go on and on, telling the stories of the relationships that are largely responsible for my success.

The point is this: You and I can trace our success back to people who have been a part of our lives, and during this holiday season, what better way to honor God than to honor the people in our lives with thanksgiving in our hearts?

I believe that life is all about loving God and loving people. I didn’t get that belief myself – I got it from Jesus. That’s what He told the pharisees when they asked him of the greatest commandment.

Relationships matter. Not only do they matter – they are essential to your future.

God has His people in a season where we are to nurture the relationships that matter most in our lives.

Think of where you have been and where you are now. I bet you can think of many who played a role to see that you moved forward on your journey.

I challenge you this holiday season to relax and reflect, and remember those around you who have played a significant role in your life. Maybe the Lord would stir in you to give them a call, or send them a thank you, or even buy them a special gift this Christmas. I believe in this season while we link arms with family and friends, God will honor those who let their hearts be overflowing with praise, gratitude and thanksgiving for the good people that our loving Father has placed in our lives.

Where would you be if it had not been for __________________ ?

(FIll in the blank and let your heart be filled with thanksgiving!)