Some Thoughts

It almost seems to cliche to write a post about Thanksgiving two days before the holiday, but being thankful is just too important for me to ignore!  I have similar feelings about Thanksgiving that I do about Valentine’s Day.  Sure, it’s great to have a holiday dedicated to saying “thank you” or “I love you,” but shouldn’t we be doing that every single day?  I worry that many people spend one day saying those very important phrases, but then don’t think about it again until the next year.

What I try to remember each Thanksgiving is how I am so thankful for so many things each and every day.  I not only want to realize how thankful I am, but I also want to express my thanks to those who are important in my life.  Sometimes this is easier said than done.  It can be strangely awkward to tell people how thankful you are for their presence in your life if you aren’t used to doing it.  Luckily, saying thank you is something that gets easier the more you do it! 

Finally, may we give thanks to God for the many blessings that fill our lives.  Not just this Thursday, but every day may our prayer be simply, “Thank you, God!”

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks.”  Psalm 75:1a

Last night I was part of a group presentation for a class that I am taking.  I was not very happy with how it went.  It seemed disjointed, several people took too long with their portion of the presentation, and I don’t think we addressed our topic as well as we could have.  The whole night reinforced my long-held conviction that I don’t like doing group projects!  I like to do things my way, making my own decisions, not having to rely on others for my grade.

After stewing for a while about the failures that I perceived with our project, I attempted to focus on the positives.  The one I kept coming back to was the sense of community I felt from the project.  As we prepared this project, I interacted with people who I hardly knew.  I had conversations with people who I rarely get a chance to talk to.  We shared ideas back and forth in a loving and supportive environment.  Though the final result was not what I had hoped for, I realized that the process was in fact a very positive experience.

Even after that realization, I am still not a fan of group projects!  I am, however, happy that I was forced to step outside my comfort zone and, in the process, form some new relationships.  Sometimes it is when we are most uncomfortable that true growth occurs!

My sister Becky, who is a grad student, just finished her last final for this semester today.  Lucky duck!  She told me it felt like a big weight had been lifted from her shoulders.  She was now free to go out to lunch, go shopping . . . go do whatever, without having to worry about studying, papers, tests, and everything else that comes with being a student.  She was really enjoying that sense of freedom and having no burdens.

My conversation with Becky got me thinking about all that is burdening me this week.  An overnight and a worship service to prepare, a group presentation to give, a paper to write, a slightly sick son . . . the list goes on.  It seems there is never a shortage of burden in life!  During these times when I am feeling slightly overwhelmed, I remind myself that I do not go it alone.  I am surrounded by supportive family and friends.  And, most importantly, I am gently held by God, the one who created me and loves me with an everlasting love.  This is the God who gives me peace when I am overwhelmed and who carries my burdens when they become too much for me. 

Do I have a lot of work ahead of me this week?  Yes!  Do I wish I could trade places with my sister right now?  Perhaps!  But above all, I feel the freedom that comes from the peace and joy and love of God.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

The much anticipated election day is tomorrow.  I seem to be feeling much more apprehension about this election than I usually do.  Perhaps because I feel more strongly about a variety of issues and candidates than I have in a long while.  So strongly, in fact, that I have had to be careful about my reaction to those who disagree with me about the issues and candidates.

Last night, I heard a very wise speaker talk about that very issue.  She said she was having trouble not feeling hate for those voting differently than her.  She never wants to hate anyone, yet struggles to remind herself that even those who disagree with her about certain political issues are children of God.  We may have different ways of viewing the world and different priorities for our lives and for the nation, yet we all must find a way to continue to love each other – or to begin to love each other – after November 4.

It is my hope that, regardless of who wins or does not win, which propositions pass or do not pass, we can live into our future with each other with love and respect. 

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Colossians 3:15a