There are many reasons that it’s important, but Andy Stanton-Henry writes about gratitude in a way that’s particularly helpful given the wartime violence overseas: “In a time of devastation and despair, gratitude allows us to reframe our perspectives on power and provision. When we notice goodness, truth, and beauty, even while we are surrounded by evil, lies, and ugliness, we insist that another world is possible. Domination and violence are not the only tools for changing the world, and they are not the only story about what is unfolding in the world. The practice of giving thanks reminds us that the ultimate Source and Provider is not the market, government, or human ingenuity but the Creator. Gratitude allows us to release fear and take up courage and compassion. In a culture of violent competition this is no small thing.”[1]

Let us give thanks together, not just because it’s the right thing to do (and it is), but also because gratitude teaches us to be a particular kind of people—a faithful people, a people who notice.

I’m looking forward to learning about the kinds of thing this community want to be thankful for. I’ll see you in church—

Becky

Prayer

Holy and loving God,

We give you thanks, even in the midst of our busy and sometimes difficult lives. We pause to remember that you give us many gifts, that we trust that you are working in the world, and that you are faithful, even when we wobble. Thank you for the clear air, for the bright sunshine today, for the hot beverage in front of us, for the gift of the welcome we have each week at church. Thank you that we are free to continue to learn about you, that you welcome our prayers even when we have sinned, and that in fact you seek us out. Bless this gratitude practice, and help it to teach us how better to be your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

[1] https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/gratitude-as-leadership/?utm_source=CC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LI20231115