“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1
Many Thanks…
By Shannon Pederson
Sometimes, we are thankful for big things: 60 years of marriage, cancer in remission, a good Samaritan stopping when we’re in an auto accident.
And sometimes, we are thankful for the tiniest things: a friendly wave, a trip to the coffee shop, a lovely birthday or get well card.
This time of year, we give thanks, so I asked members of our congregation to share their ‘thank-you’s’ with me so I could share them with you. I asked for the small things that have happened in the last couple months. I wanted to know what causes people to be grateful.
It is heartening to see acts of selflessness and tenderness coming from people in our area, and often in our church. To hear a few words about things our members are thankful for is a gift itself. Here are just few of the things I heard.
· The hugs and smiles from young and old at church mean a lot to everyone. Whether it’s Sunday morning or family night or any other occasion, everyone feels so welcome and loved.
· The warmth of people in our small community has helped our members who have lost a spouse. No one ever lets anyone feel alone.
· One member (the woman who hugs a lot) appreciates how everyone bakes with the “nuts on the side” because she can’t eat anything like seeds and nuts. It’s easy to remember the needs of people when they are ‘family’ and show their appreciation so fully.
· Children helping children made everyone feel good. The way the older children help the younger ones during the children’s sermon is especially endearing.
· One woman spoke to her son’s photograph recently and immediately after saying “I love you” to the photo, her son called to say he loved her. There must be some heavenly intervention when things like this happen. God knew it was a good time for them to talk to each other.
· Another member’s children came home this fall to do all her yard work. Friends and family always know when we need them most and pick the best times to visit.
There were other examples of what people were thankful for and each one followed the same theme – we need each other for help and happiness. So, to everyone who helped me with this jotting, thank you.
A Psalm for Giving Thanks Psalm 100:1-5
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
By Shannon Pederson
Sometimes, we are thankful for big things: 60 years of marriage, cancer in remission, a good Samaritan stopping when we’re in an auto accident.
And sometimes, we are thankful for the tiniest things: a friendly wave, a trip to the coffee shop, a lovely birthday or get well card.
This time of year, we give thanks, so I asked members of our congregation to share their ‘thank-you’s’ with me so I could share them with you. I asked for the small things that have happened in the last couple months. I wanted to know what causes people to be grateful.
It is heartening to see acts of selflessness and tenderness coming from people in our area, and often in our church. To hear a few words about things our members are thankful for is a gift itself. Here are just few of the things I heard.
· The hugs and smiles from young and old at church mean a lot to everyone. Whether it’s Sunday morning or family night or any other occasion, everyone feels so welcome and loved.
· The warmth of people in our small community has helped our members who have lost a spouse. No one ever lets anyone feel alone.
· One member (the woman who hugs a lot) appreciates how everyone bakes with the “nuts on the side” because she can’t eat anything like seeds and nuts. It’s easy to remember the needs of people when they are ‘family’ and show their appreciation so fully.
· Children helping children made everyone feel good. The way the older children help the younger ones during the children’s sermon is especially endearing.
· One woman spoke to her son’s photograph recently and immediately after saying “I love you” to the photo, her son called to say he loved her. There must be some heavenly intervention when things like this happen. God knew it was a good time for them to talk to each other.
· Another member’s children came home this fall to do all her yard work. Friends and family always know when we need them most and pick the best times to visit.
There were other examples of what people were thankful for and each one followed the same theme – we need each other for help and happiness. So, to everyone who helped me with this jotting, thank you.
A Psalm for Giving Thanks Psalm 100:1-5
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.