Giving Thanks in All Circumstances - By Bishop G

Dear Friends,

            There’s an old French proverb that says: “Gratitude is the heart’s memory.” There’s extraordinary grace in looking back on your life.  We’re able to see with a new perspective.  Thanksgiving is a chance to be with family and friends, to reflect on this past year, and deliberately give thanks.  Doing so, maybe we’ll get a glimpse of what’s most important, most valuable.

            Maybe we’ll give thanks for the challenges we faced or the helpers that God sent.  As we look back, we’ll see those life-givers who’ve loved, supported, and cheered us on.   Or maybe we’ll find ourselves giving thanks for the surprises and gifts of grace that landed on us out of nowhere.  

            In his letter to the Philippians, writing from prison in some of his very last words before his death, Paul tells us not to worry when things look bleak or uncertain, to be gentle with ourselves and the world around us.  He assures us that there’s transforming power and freedom in praying and giving thanks, in rejoicing for all life’s circumstances.  And there is the mysterious gift of a Peace that the world cannot give, a Peace that guards your heart and mind, like a sentry guards a tomb, to keep it safe. 

            As we trust God’s love and providence, all things are possible.  Paul invites us to think not about our circumstances but to think over and over on higher truths, excellence, honor, justice, purity, and most of all on love, which transcends everything.  I’ve noticed that practicing gratitude, even when I don’t feel grateful, always renews my spirit.  I read that giving thanks, as a practice, is good for your heart.  It lowers our blood pressure, reduces our stress, and opens us to new possibilities. 

            I am grateful this Thanksgiving season for the amazing communities and ministry in our diocese.  Please join me in giving thanks for our circumstances, our blessings, and most of all, for the gift of following our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  May your Thanksgiving be a time of grace and peace.  I hope I see you at church!

Let us pray:

            Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them, Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.