Giving Thanks to the Lord

When I was a little girl, I imagined I would grow up to be a movie star who performed occasionally on Broadway. On the personal front, I envisioned being married with five children, all boys! Needless to say, neither of these dreams became reality, and as my life journey continues to unfold, it is rarely what I would have predicted. I think I am not unusual in this respect. I don’t know anyone who could have totally imagined his or her life the way it turned out. Each of us can get caught up in our disappointments and struggles: the concerns around health or finances or family that leave us weak and wilting, rather than remembering those things for which we are grateful.

Last week, I was blessed to travel back to Long Island for my friend Pam’s 60^th Birthday Party. (You may remember her: she danced Psalm 100 with my daughter during my Installation service.) 

My daughter and Pam giving thanks to the Lord in dance. (photo courtesy of me)

It was a small gathering, just a dinner party of maybe 10 or 12 close friends. She and her husband, Eddie, had prepared a Thanksgiving dinner in gratitude for those invited. Pam then asked each of us to think of three things we were grateful for and share them around the table as we ate. It was a lovely affair, and all the more meaningful for the blessings shared.

Friends gathered for Pam's birthday - see her beautiful smile almost exactly center. (photo courtesy of me)

If I’m honest, I have so much to be grateful for. I have a wonderful job – one that is truly a calling. I get to study the Bible and praise God and build relationships with others as they travel their faith journeys as well. While my family life is not what I originally hoped for, I am blessed with a terrific daughter with whom I enjoy a great relationship. I love my home, especially the geography on which it sits. As I wash dishes, I look out over rolling hills and trees. As I sip coffee and read my morning devotional, I watch the world go by out my living room window as people walk dogs, exercise, and enjoy the beauty of the cemetery in front of the manse.

We’ve been in the midst of our Discipleship season this past month, and the Team’s primary hope has been that you will each look at your own lives and recognize the many gifts you’ve been given. The gifts of those in your life who love you, the hearth and home that warm you, the food on the table, the talents you have and can share with others, and the God who made all of it possible. You’ve been invited to give back in return. To give of your time and talent and treasure so that the important work that we do at Old Greenwich can not only nurture you, but others in our community now and into the future. It is my prayer that you have felt called to respond generously and with joy.

In closing, the choir has been rehearsing a gorgeous anthem that was sung at the Choral Concert and will be again on Sunday, November 22nd, only this time accompanied by liturgical dance. November 22nd is Thanksgiving Sunday and the text the song is based on is Revelation 5; it sings glory to the Lamb of God, announcing His holiness and worthiness to be praised by all creation. I’ve had it running through my head and it feels like a constant reminder of God’s graciousness and generosity. May we all remember how lucky we are, even in the midst of our challenges, and respond with grace and generosity in return as we enter the season of thanksgiving.