Friends,
I wish you a happy Thanksgiving, even though it won’t be anything like Thanksgivings past.  I know many of us are sad, because large gatherings, travel, and the usual ways of doing things are all upended—or at least pared way back. It’s especially hard since we are, after all, such social creatures.  So, we lament.  There’s nothing wrong with lamentation; in fact, a whole book is devoted to lamentation in our Bible.  Yet, the scriptural trajectory always moves us through times of lamentation toward restoration, hope, and resurrection.  

We have much hope—an effective vaccine is coming.  In the meantime, we still have a myriad of things for which to be thankful—and we have many opportunities to show our gratitude this season by giving.  In fact, we can improve our mental health when we start each day being thankful for what we still have and what we still can do.  We can also feel great joy when we give to others, whether through outreach projects at church or buying an extra turkey to donate to a local food bank.

I’m especially thankful that we live in a place where it will be 70 degrees on Thanksgiving Day, and we can gather in small groups and eat, socially-distanced, outside.  I’m thankful for food, shelter, family, friends, and the technology that keeps us virtually connected.  What are you thankful for this season?  May you find joy in your practice of Thanksgiving 2020.
With Gratitude for my Church Family,
Co-Pastor Sandi