Thanksgiving Letter to the Synod

Greetings in the name of Christ! Happy Thanksgiving!

How would you answer the question: What are you thankful for?

 I am thankful for being alive. I do not mean just on the other side of the grave. I mean fully living in the knowledge of who I am as a child of God. This understanding supersedes any realities of what may not be perfect in life or the unanswered prayers I am waiting to see manifested.

This year I am also thankful for the reminder to have joy in this life. The late Bishop Desmond Tutu wrote, “Dear Child of God, you are loved with a love that nothing can shake, a love that loved you long before you were created, a love that will be there long after everything has disappeared. And God wants you to be like God. Filled with life and goodness and laughter—and joy.” 

In every conversation around the dinner table, I invite you to consider these eight pillars of joy. Four are qualities of the mind—perspective, humility, humor, and acceptance. Four are qualities of the heart — forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, and generosity. These spiritual characteristics change our Christian perspective enabling us to do as the Apostle Paul urges “that we give thanks in all things.”

The dawn is breaking, and by grace, we are turning the corner on the last two years of loss and disbelief. We are finding our sure footing. Some sense of normalcy is returning to life; for all these things, let us give thanks.

It would be good to count every blessing and name them one by one. In remembering, we are sustained through the sacred practice of naming our laments and recounting how the Divine has intervened in our lives, making crooked paths straight, commanding the roaring seas peace be still, and surprising us by moving mountains. In the mystery of Christ, we learn the cycle of loss and renewal and that this pattern ever moves us forward.

Take time to give thanks. Gratitude leads to generosity and generosity to serving others. The world is in need of those who understand this truth. 

Let us pray:

God of endless providing, we give thanks for both the simple, and ordinary ways you sustain us and for the complex, amazing gifts of your creation.
For the warm scent of fresh bread and foods that nourish our bodies and souls.
For those with whom we can talk and keep nothing back.
For those in whose presence it is easier to be good.
For wise counselors whose words have prevented us from mistakes.
For the gift of loyal companions on long journeys.
For the myriad communities and cultures who find you in their midst.
For all the ways you reveal yourself, whether close at hand or out of our reach.
Do not let us become complacent. Keep us always mindful of your care for us, that we may remain your grateful people, servants praying in the name of the Servant. Amen.
(Prayer Adapted from the Rock Climbing Mission) 

I pray that amid life’s challenges, you find moments of joy this season. 

-Rev. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley