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In 2009, the Lord led me from fifteen years of service at Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary into a new season of shepherding a Korean congregation near Philadelphia. At the same time, He opened another door, an online teaching role at Liberty University’s seminary. What began as a small side job has now stretched beyond fifteen years. Truly, time is but a vapor, and the years pass swiftly under God’s hand. Through these years, I have taught faithfully across regular and summer terms, often entrusted with multiple courses. Yet this fall, for the first time, no class was assigned to me. Perhaps it was due to declining enrollment, or perhaps because of my sudden hospitalization last June, when colleagues carried the burden I could not. Whatever the reason, I confess I felt a tinge of abandonment. But the Lord, who orders our steps, turned that emptiness into opportunity.

 

Because of the pause, I was able to walk alongside a fellow pastor who had lost his son so suddenly. To share in his grief, to stand with him at the burial, was itself a ministry of presence. Though my body grew weary from travel—to Virginia, then to Nashville for Thanksgiving and family reunion—the Lord renewed my spirit with joy.

After years of longing and struggle, my daughter-in-law is now expecting a child, due in January. Since she could not travel, the family gathered around her in Nashville. Seeing her health strong and the baby growing well filled my heart with peace. Even more, her mother—once in critical condition after a massive stroke—has recovered remarkably. What abundant mercies the Lord has poured out.

 

This Thanksgiving, gratitude overflowed. Though flights were delayed and inconveniences arose, the Lord carried us through without harm. Truly, His grace was sufficient, His providence evident.

 

And so I lift my heart in praise: for the years of teaching, for the unexpected pauses, for the chance to comfort the grieving, for the miracle of new life, and for the restoration of health. Each thread, woven together, becomes a tapestry of thanksgiving.