This time of year turns our attention to Thanksgiving and hopefully, giving thanks. I’ve been reflecting on the link between gratefulness and joy. It’s amazing how many times the bible mentions that thankfulness to God for what he’s done leads to joy. Here’s one of my favorites:

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” [Ps. 28:7]

It seems to me that I can’t manufacture authentic joy, but I can practice gratefulness that leads me to feel authentic joy. So, in line with the season and a soul-moving practice, I want to share how deeply grateful I am for you.

God has used you to continue our mission of bringing His hope to young people.

I am thankful for how He used you:

· to send caring adults into stressed neighborhoods

· to increase the young people receiving trade skills by adding a new shop building

· to allow 71Five to weather financial storms

· to keep the lights on in safe spaces where young people can find friendship

· to change the lives of hundreds of young people forever through trust in Jesus.

Just the writing of this has moved me to joy. Hopefully, in the reading of it, you will find joy in what God has accomplished through you.