How Can I Say Thanks

October 12, 1975

Please accept my invitation to step inside my time capsule and travel with me to a moment long ago - a moment that still defines who I am today.

Traditionally, we remember this date as Columbus Day, commemorating the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492. For me, October 12, 1975, marks something far more personal. It’s the day I discovered and encountered Jesus Christ in a real and life-changing way.

Fifty years have passed since that day. I’m no longer the 17-year-old college freshman trying to find his way in a brand-new world.

Time has moved quickly - almost mysteriously. Where has it all gone?

Back then, I was eager to experience life beyond the familiar walls of the place I called home, yet still trying to steady my footing in an unfamiliar environment.

Looking back, I can see God’s hand guiding me even then. Raised in the catholic tradition, I was taught about God through ritual and reverence.

What began to unfold was something much deeper - a personal relationship where I could know Him as real, not distant.

During those early weeks of college, I met Jackie - now my wife of 47 years. She invited me to a small prayer and Bible study group that met on Friday nights. I gladly went - not only to explore faith, but also, if I’m honest, to spend time with Jackie. (Can you blame me?)

Those weeks were a blur of classes, homework, and weekly gatherings. Then came an announcement about a bus trip to a larger conference and prayer meeting in Atlantic City (back before it became known for casinos).

It fell during fall break, and Jackie and I decided to go. The details of the weekend itself have faded, but one moment stands out vividly - the bus ride back to campus.

While we waited to depart, a gentleman, whose name I no longer recall, approached me, and began asking about my weekend experience. He asked a question that would forever change my life:

“Would you like to invite Jesus into your life as your personal Lord and Savior?”

There was no hesitation. I said yes. He followed up with another question:

“Would you like to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit in your life?”

My reply came quickly, I said something like, “If it’s a package deal, sign me up.”

It felt as though Jesus Himself was speaking directly to me. (He was.)

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
 - Revelation 3:20 (NLT)

In that moment, I knew He was reassuring me of His presence in my life.

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.”  - Isaiah 43:1 (NLT)

Now, fifty years later, I still look back on that day as a defining moment - a turning point that changed the trajectory of my entire life.

Recently, a guest speaker at our church reminded me of that moment when he quoted the words of a song that was popular at the time:

“How can I say thanks for all the things You have done for me—
Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me.
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude.
All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.
To God be the glory... with His blood He has saved me,
With His power He has raised me.
To God be the glory for the things He has done.”

It begs me to ask the question again – How can I say thanks?

That is my story - my defining moment when I discovered who Christ was and now is in my life.

What is your story?