Without fail, and when my mouth is watering with anticipation, someone in the family says, “Okay, before we can eat let’s go around the group and each name something we are thankful for.”
Don’t get me wrong, I think being thankful is in our very nature as Christians, but does it have to be when the succulent feast is on the table?! In that spirit I would like to share a few of the things I am most thankful for.
My thanksgivings are shaped by one of the sentences from A Litany for Thanksgiving found in the Book of Common Prayer on page 837: For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve, we thank you Lord.
For minds to think: I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be engaged with a wide range of people who continue to expand my knowledge, understanding and perspective on a whole array of topics. I appreciate those who continue to encourage me to think and look at things in different and creative ways. I feel very blessed to spend time daily reading, pondering and wondering about endless possible ways that the Spirit is leading us.
Hearts to Love: I start and end each day (and many times throughout the day) giving thanks to God for the people in my life. I am blessed beyond measure with a wonderful family, extended family, friends near and far many of who I have shared the journey with most of my life. In addition, every day I am surrounded by outstanding colleagues, and a Church Family that consistently shares God’s love with me. Finally, the opportunity to bring God’s love to those who often feel very little love can bring joy beyond what I ever would imagine.
Hands to Serve: I am blessed to know that God has given me gifts for ministry. These are not for me, but rather to serve God through serving others. Helping a neighbor or stranger in need, stepping forward to offer the talents I have been blessed with, are experiences I am thankful for every day.
Whether it is in thinking, loving, or serving, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota.