I try to teach my kids to say “Thank you” whenever it is appropriate to do so and for the most part they do. Laurie and I may have over done it with our youngest because even when we find ourselves scolding him or trying to correct his behavior he’ll still at times enthusiastically say “Thank you!” Perhaps we all should be so gracious.
Gratitude is something I believe we all aspire to in our lives. As we’ve just recently observed Thanksgiving many of us I’m sure participated in some tradition or another that invited us to share things we are thankful for in our lives. Yet far from holiday tradition gratitude is about a way of being in the world from day to day; this is why we teach our kids to say “Thank you.”
Our Psalm for this 2nd Sunday in Advent is another opportunity for us to be mindful of all the gifts God has given us; another opportunity for us to pause and say thanks. Psalm 85 is technically a lament yet thanks to God is given throughout; for returning God’s people to Israel and for God’s steadfast faithfulness to God’s people. Even in a year like this one, there is much to be thankful for.
So as we finish up our stewardship campaign I just want to say thank you to all who have pledged to St. Paul’s mission and ministry for this coming year. One of my practices of gratitude is going to our website to see the list of names of all who have pledged for 2021. It is a wonderful visual representation of the gratitude and faith of this parish. If you were not aware of this feature I invite you take a look. You may find the names by clicking here. As you look be sure to give thanks for the generous community of faith to which we belong making the mission and ministry of St. Paul’s possible. To each of you I give my heartfelt thanks.
God’s Peace,
Adam