The copy for this newsletter was written in 2022 as life was beginning to settle into new rhythms after the COVID pandemic. The copy tone of this newsletter is decidedly invitational and authentic.
Thankfulness, no matter where life takes you
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Yes, the food is fantastic — and a good meal brings people together like nothing else. But for me, the best part of the day is when our family spends a moment around the dining table sharing what we’re thankful for. Every year, this simple act catches me off guard with its meaning. And every year, I look forward to this moment … at least, I usually do.
This year has been a little different. It seems like life post-COVID has picked up at a blistering pace. This fall season has been a whirlwind between family, church, and social obligations. I wonder if you can relate?
At our Thanksgiving dinner table yesterday evening, I was struck with something: how I feel in the present shapes how I remember the past and look forward to the future. This idea isn’t really unique to this season but is simply a matter of perspective. Whether the present is filled with joy, sorrow, or simply busyness, our present reality skews our view of the past and shapes our future expectations. And especially in times of busyness or heaviness, finding things to be thankful for can be challenging.
Fortunately, there’s another way — a better way.
In Psalm 136, we’re given a template for thankfulness. The psalmist sees everything — past, present, and future — through the lens of God’s attentive love, care, goodness, and mercy. As they recount the history of Israel through its various highs and lows, every line is paired with the refrain of God’s steadfast love.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who led his people through the wilderness; for his steadfast love endures forever;
Psalm 136:1, 4, 16
How much richer could our journey be if we practiced thankfulness like the psalmist. If your present has been filled with joy and hope: His steadfast love endures forever. If your past contains sorry and pain: His steadfast love endures forever. No matter how you may be concerned with the future: His steadfast love endures forever.
As we move into this holiday season, no matter what life brings, this is my prayer for you. May your spirit remind you in unexpected ways and at unexpected times that God is present with you. He cares for you, He experiences life with you, and His steadfast love endures forever.
We look forward to seeing your beautiful faces this weekend as we gather to learn, explore, connect, and experience God together at church.