What was the number one best thing that happened in your life in 2008?

I think, for me, there were three really good things that happened last year. First, my father went through a lengthy period of decline that drew me closer to him than I can ever remember being. My respect for him grew tremendously.

Secondly, having to deal with prostate cancer forced me to deal with my own mortality and to rethink the priorities in my life, including the value I attribute to my relationship with my wife.

And thirdly, I stepped aside from some managerial roles in the office by transferring many administrative responsibilities to Pastor Randy Stine. We can both function within the giftings God has given us, and I now have time to develop sermon direction farther ahead and give more attention to my own personal development.

Each of these three changes were not easy, came with suffering, and will bear fruit in the future. And two of three good things came uninvited. I believe God has a plan to transform me into the image of his Son, Jesus.

What was the number one best thing that happened to you in 2008?

Tags: New Year, trouble