Recently, I have been thinking about a formative story I heard about my childhood pastors.
During the interview for the position of associate pastor, Pastor Craig (senior pastor) and Pastor O.K. (associate pastor candidate) got into a theological argument about thanksgiving. Pastor Craig said, “While we may be thankful in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18), surely we don’t have to be thankful for them.” Pastor O.K. argued that we should be thankful for every circumstance. They decided to agree to disagree; something we have forgotten how to do in our day and age.
As Pastor O.K. boarded the plane to return to his home, he thanked Pastor Craig for their lively discussion and told him to look up Ephesians 5:20. Craig returned to his Bible and read these words: “Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I have wondered if we are capable of giving thanks always and for everything, especially in the midst of this pandemic. As you gather around your tables and visit with family, either in-person or via Zoom/FaceTime, take time to count your blessings. As new patterns emerge, notice the places where God’s love has sustained and enriched your life and that of your families.
A Blessed Thanksgiving to You All!
Pastor Culynn
To prepare for worship on Sunday
(November 29), you are invited to read:
Luke 1:46-55