After such a blistering summer, I am very thankful for the cooler
temperatures that come with Fall. I am thankful for the brilliant colors Fall
brings as God’s creation prepares itself for winter. I am thankful for pumpkins.
And yes, I am even thankful for pumpkin spice lattes.
The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Thessalonians, “In everything give thanks, for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. There is so much wisdom in Paul’s words.
How easy it is to get caught up in things that are not all that important. How
much more joyful life is when we approach it in a state of gratitude, from a
state of thanksgiving. When we live life thankful and grateful for all God’s
blessings, we can understand why Paul calls us to respond by “rejoicing always.”
In our Year of the Bible readings, we’ve been working our way through Paul’s
letters, and he reminds us again and again to live thankfully, in harmony with
one another, turning away from quarrels, dissension and strife, and working to
build the body of Christ. “Be filled with
the Spirit,” Paul says, “and… give
thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ”.
As we near the end of our 149th year, I am thankful for so many
things around our church: the magnificent music we have every Sunday in
worship; the unbounded energy and enthusiasm of our young people; the smiles
and laughter of our children; the dedication and commitment of our church staff
and the teachers in our Early Learning Center; and the way we work, pray, and
worship together, showing the world how we live by the fruit of the Spirit in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
What are you thankful for in your life? What are you thankful for here at
our church? What will you do in our 150th year to grow in
discipleship, spirit, and faithfulness? What will you do to grow in
thankfulness? What will you do to build the body of Christ that we so
thankfully and joyfully call Manassas Presbyterian Church?
With profound thanksgiving,
Pastor Skip
