24 Gratitudes from 2024
December 31, 2024
As we prepare to enter a new year, I find it meaningful to pause and reflect on all the things I’m thankful for from the past year. Here are 24 highlights from 2024, in no particular order:
#1 New Communication Role
In December, I joined the South Georgia Conference of the Global Methodist Church in a part-time role. I’m excited to help the conference stay connected and share the story of what God is doing among Methodists in South Georgia and beyond.
#2 Protection During Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene, the second major storm of 2024, caught everyone off guard. While my community wasn’t hit as hard as parts of Georgia and North Carolina, we still faced significant challenges. Trees were down, power lines lay in tangles, and the cell tower was out of commission.
The night of the storm was one of complete isolation. We lost power, cell phone service, and even our weather radio wouldn’t connect. In the silence and uncertainty, we relied on God’s protection—and He was faithful.
In the aftermath, communication was nearly impossible. We couldn’t even notify the congregation whether we’d have worship. Yet, to my amazement, a great group showed up for both services. They came not knowing if the church had power or if anyone else would be there. Their faith and determination to worship in the face of uncertainty were a powerful testimony to God’s grace and presence.
#3 New Roof on the Church and the Parsonage
In June, a severe hailstorm caused significant damage to both our church and parsonage. The aftermath required replacing the roofs on both buildings—a big undertaking, but one that proved to be a blessing in disguise.
When Hurricane Helene swept through later in the year, the new roofs held firm, protecting both structures from further damage. Many in our area are still waiting for roof repairs, a reminder of how fortunate we were to complete ours in time. I’m especially thankful for the hard work and dedication of our church trustees, whose efforts ensured we were better prepared for the challenges of the hurricane season.
#4 Reading with Other Preachers
One of the wonderful emphases in the Global Methodist Church is fostering community among pastors. This year, I had the privilege of reading Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (#ad) by Brian Russell with a group of fellow preachers. It quickly became my favorite book of the year.
What made the experience even more meaningful was the shared journey of studying and discussing the book together. Reading in community brought fresh insights and a deeper appreciation for how God speaks through His Word. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and encouragement that comes from walking alongside others in ministry.
#5 My First Advanced Copy of a Book
This year, I had the unique privilege of reading an advanced copy of Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (#ad) by N.T. Wright and Mike Bird. These two giants of theology are among the greatest living thinkers, and diving into their work before its official release felt like stepping into the future.
When the book was finally announced, it was exciting to see it introduced to the world. I had reached out and was fortunate to secure an advance copy. While I’m not sure I moved the needle on sales enough to justify it, the experience was a thrill—like being a time traveler getting an early glimpse of something transformative.
I also had the chance to interview Mike Bird, which was an incredible opportunity to explore the ideas behind the book in more depth. If you’re curious, you can check out my conversation with him here.
#6 Budget Flights
One of our favorite approaches to travel comes from a saying I first heard from consumer advocate Clark Howard: “Find the deal, then figure out why you want to go there.”
Early this year, we stumbled upon a fantastic deal on flights from Atlanta to Chicago—tickets for all four of us cost less than $325! Naturally, it was a budget flight, so we embraced the challenge of packing all our belongings into backpacks.
#7 Visiting Chicago
Well, where was the flight to? We had a blast visiting Chicago for the first time. I loved the city so much. Highlights of our trip included indulging in authentic Chicago-style hot dogs, exploring the Griffin Science Museum, and marveling at the city’s skyline during an architecture boat tour. We also had the chance to visit my cousin Laura, who lives in Chicago, making the trip even more special.
Chicago exceeded all expectations, and I can’t wait to go back!
Also, deep dish is gross.
#8 Coffee Adventures
Toward the end of the year, I rediscovered my love for French press coffee and have been enjoying the richness it brings to my mornings. For Christmas, I received a pour-over coffee dripper (#ad), which has been a fun new experiment. While I’m still mastering the technique, it’s been a rewarding process.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly ground beans filling the air in the morning. It’s a small but meaningful way to start the day with joy and gratitude.
#9 The Convening Conference of the Global Methodists Church
The Global Methodist Church held its first global gathering. It was a beautiful moment. While I was unable to attend as an in person spectator I was able to view it from afar.
You can read more about some of the surprises from the General Conference.
#10 Pediatric Orthopedics
Parenting always comes with surprises, and this year was no exception—our family managed not one but two broken bones on the same leg! These injuries meant several trips to Savannah to visit our pediatric orthopedist.
Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the blessing of accessible medical care. Having a skilled pediatric orthopedist within driving distance is a true gift from the Lord. I’m also thankful for reliable transportation and mostly clear roads to get us there safely. While the road to recovery hasn’t been easy, everyone is doing much better, and for that, we give thanks.
#11 A Year of Gaming
Brandy really outdid herself for Christmas 2023. She pulled off a classic move by giving me a PlayStation 5 game, even though we didn’t have the system at the time. I genuinely thought it was a mistake! Then, to my surprise, she had a PlayStation 5 console waiting for us.
It’s been so much fun connecting with my kids through gaming. They really enjoyed Astro Bot (#ad)(though I still haven’t beaten it!). Together, we powered through Marvel Spiderman 2 (#ad) and Jedi Fallen Order (#ad), and I also had a blast with College Football 25 (#ad), though I do miss the older versions. After some convincing from my nephews, I finally finished Red Dead Redemption 2 (#ad).
This year, I received five new games for Christmas. Without much help from my kids, it’ll probably take me years to finish them all! But beyond the games themselves, I’ve cherished how gaming has become a way to bond with my children and also a great way to unplug from work.
#12 Mrs. Hunt’s Retirement Celebration
One of the highlights of this year was returning to my alma mater, Crisp Academy, for a celebration in honor of Mrs. Helen Hunt. Mrs. Hunt was a pivotal figure in my education—she played a key role in fostering my love for reading and learning.
It was a truly special moment to not only revisit the school I attended but also to share that experience with my children. Celebrating such a talented teacher, who had such a lasting impact on my life, made the occasion even more meaningful.
#13 A Great Confirmation Class
In the Methodist church, we celebrate the milestone of young people going through confirmation—a time of learning about the church and its purpose. During this process, children are invited to make a public profession of faith and formally join the church.
This year was especially meaningful for our family, as one of my children was part of the confirmation class. The experience was further enriched by a wonderful confirmation retreat led by my youth pastor, Wesley Marshall, at Epworth by the Sea. It was a beautiful and significant time, and I will cherish the memory of sharing it with my child.
#14 Completing a Half Marathon with Brandy
In early 2024, Brandy and I crossed the finish line of the Combos Half Marathon in Albany, GA. It was my second half marathon and Brandy’s first, and it made the experience all the more special to train together. We had a great time as training partners, making the journey enjoyable and motivating each other along the way.
While we don’t have any races lined up for 2025, we’re thinking about tackling another half marathon in 2026. It’s been a rewarding experience, and we’re looking forward to the next challenge!
#15 Glennville Connectional Community Forms
We’ve experienced tremendous growth in the South Georgia Conference of the Global Methodist Church, and in our area, it has meant reshuffling some of our connectional communities—groups of churches that work and fellowship together. I have the privilege of serving as the leader of the Glennville Connectional Community.
In this role, I’ll be helping the nine churches in our area with any pastoral transitions that arise and assisting them in getting organized for the year 2026 as we approach the end of 2025. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m excited for the opportunities to support and serve these churches in the coming years.
#16 Honoring our Veterans
While many churches do an excellent job of honoring veterans, our church took it a step further this year with something truly special. During the worship service closest to Veteran’s Day, we unveiled a recently discovered plaque that listed the names of service members from our community who served during WWII.
It was a powerful moment that not only glorified God but also allowed us to remember and honor the brave men and women who served. It was a beautiful way to celebrate their sacrifices and reflect on the importance of faith and service.
#17 Date Nights with Brandy
Brandy and I had another wonderful year of marriage, continuing to grow closer together while enjoying several memorable dates. One of my favorites was our time seeing movies together—just a simple yet special way to enjoy each other’s company.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re planning to squeeze in a few trips together, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s a joy to share these experiences and deepen our bond even more.
#18 My Second Firebrand Article
I was grateful to have another article published in Firebrand Magazine, a Wesleyan online publication. This second article I contributed focused on providing further clarification on the roles that bishops will play in the Global Methodist Church. It’s always a privilege to engage in thoughtful discussions around church leadership and contribute to the wider conversation.
Read the article here.
#19 Progress Made on My Doctor of Ministry
My studies in my doctoral program continue as I focus on preaching and church leadership. I’ve been approved to run my project, which is set to take place this winter. I’m aiming for a May 2025 graduation, and I’m excited to see how everything comes together in these final stages of my program.
#20 Getting Interviewed on the Deep Dive Spirituality Podcast
I had been in a coaching group with pastors for several years. Our coach and mentor, Brian Russell, had us on his podcast. You can see the video below.
#21 Brandy is Teacher of the Year for Tattnall County
I’m incredibly proud of Brandy, who was named Teacher of the Year for Tattnall County. It’s a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and passion for teaching. I often joke that when we move into a new community, I’m the more popular one at first—at least until people hear about her incredible teaching skills. Then, I quickly become “Mrs. Donnan’s husband”!
Brandy is truly a talented educator, and I strive to bring the same level of effort, professionalism, and heart to my work in the pulpit that she brings to her classroom.
#22 Thanksgiving with My Brother
I have such an awesome family, and spending time with them is always a treat. This year, we celebrated Thanksgiving in the Washington D.C. area with my brother, and it was a wonderful time. Our families really enjoy each other’s company, and it was great to be together.
One of the highlights was that my brother and I were able to sneak away for a little while and watch Gladiator 2. It was such a fun experience to see the sequel to a movie that had meant so much to us years ago. It was a special moment, and I’m thankful for these memories with my family.
#23 Discovering a John Wesley Historical Site
While the girls went to see Disney on Ice, the boys took a trip to Fort Pulaski. I supposedly visited as a child, but I didn’t remember it, so it felt like a new experience. One of my friends had told me to check out a special marker near the fort, and it turned out to be the spot where John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, preached his first sermon in America.
As we stood there, I joked to my son, “Just think, the same sand gnats which bit Mr. Wesley, their ancestors are biting us right now.” It was a fun moment of connecting history with the present.
#24 Aubrey Ray and JP Padilla Wedding
Every wedding I get to do is very special. This is the second wedding I did for someone in Aubrey Ray’s family. What made it even more special is I was once a coach of JP’s many moons ago at Bulloch Academy in Statesboro, GA. It is crazy to believe I have been in ministry long enough for this to even be possible. It was a great weekend, great fun, and a great couple.
Conclusion
As I reflect on these 24 things I am grateful for in 2024, I’m reminded of the countless blessings that have shaped this year. From the joys of spending time with my family and the growth in my personal and professional life, to the protection and provision through challenges, I see God’s faithfulness in every moment.
This year has been a testament to the importance of community, love, and perseverance. It has been a year of growth, not only in my relationships but also in my faith, my work, and my personal endeavors. I look forward to carrying the lessons of 2024 into the new year with a heart full of gratitude and anticipation for all that is to come.
What are you thankful for from 2024?
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About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
David Donnan 