I said it from the pulpit, and I will say it again
through this Pastor’s Letter: I look forward each year to filling out my pledge
card for Stewardship. It is something I do with a sense of joy; but even more,
it is something I do with a deep and profound sense of gratitude. Yes,
gratitude.
Gratitude because, as I think and pray about the
upcoming year and how I hope to support the work we do here in the name of
Jesus Christ, I also look back and reflect upon all the many blessings that
fill my life. It is easy to complain and grouse; it takes more of an
effort to keep a focus on gratitude for blessings small and large, on living
with a constant sense of thanksgiving.
Blessings abound, even as life throws stumbling
blocks at us, challenges us, and sometimes even knocks us down. Still we have
beds to sleep in, homes to keep us warm and dry, food in the cupboard, family
and friends, colleagues and mentors. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who
help us through difficult times, offering us their encouragement and support as
they help us get us back on our feet.
Irving Berlin wrote a song for the movie Holiday
Inn called, “I’ve Got Plenty to be Thankful For.” Bing Crosby croons the
tune in the movie, singing that even if he has “no private car, no caviar, no
carpet on my floor, still I’ve got plenty to be thankful for.” He has love, he
has friendship, he knows peace.
To live in a state of gratitude is to live in the
peace of Christ, that peace which surpasses all understanding. It is to live in
the warmth and brightness of God’s ever-loving presence. It is to remember
God’s promise that no matter what life might throw at us, “I will be with you.”
What are you thankful for? At home? At work or
school? With your family and friends? What are you thankful for here at our
church? We have so many wonderful ministries that all of us together support
and make happen and through which we find spiritual nourishment.
November seems to be a particularly appropriate
month to keep a “Gratitude Journal”, noting the things you are thankful for.
Focus on the small things: the music of the birds in the morning, the smell of
coffee, a child’s giggle, a favorite meal, a conversation with a good friend, a
hug, a smile.
You may not be able to croon like Bing, but still
we can all sing with him, “I’ve Got Plenty to be Thankful For”!
With joy and thanksgiving for abundant blessings,
Pastor Skip
