As you already know, November is stewardship season, and you’re hearing from several church members this month about how the McKnight church works to steward its gifts in the world: in outreach, in care for our own, and in simple loving care of the needs of others. I will let others speak to those things, many as they are.

Part of stewardship that sometimes is missed, though, is simply awareness—simply seeing the gifts we have already been given, and the resources that have made a difference in our lives. At church we are grateful for so many gifts of so many people: hospitality, service, facilities maintenance, gardening, and lawn care, among others. And I think we can personally each make our own lists: for specific people in our lives, for the color of the leaves outside our windows, for enough food to eat. None of these gifts should be taken for granted. So take a moment for wonder this week—to simply be in awe, grateful for the gifts of life that simply land in our laps.

Grace and peace to you and yours,

Becky

Prayer:

Holy and loving God, our lives are not always easy. We face personal difficulties or medical difficulties or financial ones. And yet, without ever minimizing those things, we can also see that at the same time there are gifts: love, laughter, a crisp breeze or a warm sweater. November is often a time of transitions and of taking stock of our readiness for the winter. As we assess and prepare for the winter, we also notice and give you thanks for your loving care and for all of the gifts so freely given. Form us to delight in those gifts, and also in you, the Giver. Keep our hands and our hearts open, so that we may care for others as freely as you care for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.