Things to be Thankful For

Is there anything to be thankful for?

We’re heading into Thanksgiving week. It’s a big holiday for our family. We’re expecting about 17 people to come over next Thursday. I don’t usually fix a traditional meal. This year I’m smoking a brisket. I will be thankful for that time when it comes.

Except, that hasn’t happened -yet. 

I’m talking about right now. The opening line to Psalm 107:1 starts with:

     Give thanks to the Lord 

     because he is good, 

         because his faithful love 

            lasts forever!

So, I’m making a quick and short list to help us kick-off this holy season. 

I’m thankful for you. After a year of gut-wrenching events in your church, you welcomed me and my wife Fran. You rose above the fray of conflict and offered grace to a new pastor. Your warmth and hospitality have brightened our life in this season of sudden change. You’ve made it our church. 

I’m thankful for the work that continues. This week I met with and celebrated with the residents and board of Christopher’s House. I discovered how we have served and will continue to work along side Canopy in their mission to aid refugees as the need rapidly grows across the globe. Together, we are a light in the darkness for a world that is searching for the light of Christ. 

We celebrated Charge Conference on Monday. Rev. Roy Beth Kelley who presided over the annual meeting helped us remember ways we are following Jesus, loving people, and sharing grace. We celebrated the 56 new members we received into membership this year, and congratulated Josh on his approval to go before the Board of Ordained Ministry and seek full connection as an ordained elder within the UMC next year. Then, the laity prayed a blessing over the pastors and the pastors in turn prayed a blessing over the laity. It was a beautiful evening full of energy and God’s Spirit. 

There are many, many other things I am grateful for, lunches, dinners, high school and college football games, and so many gatherings with small groups of this church. You are a blessing to us. I cannot count them all because they are too numerous!

Somedays, I struggle to remember and see the blessings and grace of God, even though deep down I know it’s there. If this is you right now, maybe my spiritual practice and discipline will help you as it has me in those days. I have committed to myself that even on those days, before I go to bed, I kneel at my bedside and offer a moment of thanks to God. Sometimes, it’s simply, “Thank you God for this breath I breathe…”