I spent some time earlier this month at a conference in San Diego. It was held on a beautiful resort just north of downtown. The grounds were filled with acres upon acres of manicured gardens, flower beds and lakes.
One morning I was walking back to my room and noticed movement in a row of shrubs. Thinking it was some sort of wild animal, I walked to the other side of the path…keeping my eye on the source of the commotion. Suddenly, a human head popped out from under the bushes…and I realized it was only a gardner who was working on pruning the greenery. He laughed- realizing that it must have been a strange sight!
I noticed that his shirt bore his name…Jerry. I told him how much I was enjoying my stay at the resort- and commented that the grounds were beautiful.
After passing a few steps he called back out to me.
“Thank you, sir, for staying here this week. Because of you- I have a job.”
Wow.
I was humbled by his gentle spirit…and his gratitude. He was thankful for the ability to work and provide for his family. What a blessing to hear this heart-felt comment from a total stranger.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
What can you show gratitude for today? Is it your job? Your spouse? Your health?
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:18
We have all received blessings from Jesus. Let’s take some time this week to reflect on those gifts and offer thanks.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
I pray this week that I will focus on all the good in my life- and express my gratitude for those blessings.
And let me know how to pray for you.
God bless.
Friday Word(s) 
Excellent thoughts! Let us be thankful! 😀
This is beautiful. Thank you.
Another excellent message. Thank you so much for sharing. I am very grateful and thankful for a Godly man leading UT Martin. God bless you Keith Carver.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Keith- Thanks for sharing. As students start moving in and campus gets more crowded, Iâm reminded it is the students who provide our salaries and remind us of why we do what we do. We orient a new group of Chancellorâs Associates later today. They are like freshman in many ways just more seasoned.
Blessings, Lee
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Leland (Lee) D. Patouillet, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor of Alumni Affairs
Tyson Alumni House
1609 Melrose Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996
Office: (865) 974-3011
Direct Line: (865) 974-2425
Cell: 412-965-4399
Fax: 865-974-0810
alumni.utk.edu
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