Especially around this time of year, it’s easy to thank God for the things I can see. My wife (she’s amazing!), my boys, my daughter-in-law, my friends, my fave coffee tumbler and tech gear. The list goes on. Yet, one of the most amazing gifts I’ve ever received is one I cannot see with my natural eyes. Psalm 107:1 says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” I am deeply and inarticulately thankful for God’s love. That is exists and is given to me at all, is a miracle. But, embedded in this verse, we notice – it endures forever. I don’t need to ask him for it afresh each day, it’s there. I don’t need to worry about when it expires or the effects wear off. Never. Instead, I am now experiencing, and will experience forever, the steadfast, immovable love of God. You have access to that same love. And, THAT is something to be thankful for.

10 habits of a successful stepdad: If you are a stepdad, don’t create competition with the biological father for the spot of #1 Dad. Don’t keep score. You don’t have to try and prove to your stepkids that you are a better dad than their biological father. Hopefully, the kids will now have two “dads” that love them.

Disciple your kids, don’t just raise them: Our goal as godly dads is to guide our children in their walk with Jesus Christ. It’s easy to get lost in making sure they can nail a job interview or throw a tight spiral. In reality, the majority of our time should be focused on helping our kids grow in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Even though they may not follow as we hope, our intentionality in how we disciple our kids will help give them every opportunity to find life and peace on their spiritual journey.

“Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining – it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn’t solve any problems.” – Zig Ziglar

“A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves.” – Henry Ward Beecher

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton

Make your list. This week, try your hand at writing down ALL the things you’re thankful for. If you don’t know how to do that, call my wife. She’s amazing at it. Been keeping a gratitude journal for a decade, probably logged 10,000 things (no joke) that she’s thankful for. You can do it, too. And, this week, share with someone how thankful you are that God brought them into your life. Happy Thanksgiving!

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.