Our world is increasingly troubled and troubling. So, in our season of harvest, I have turned to our time honoured Christian tradition of thanksgiving. Not so much as the routine custom of ‘counting our blessings’. But more in the way of just trying to notice how much there is to be grateful for.
On recent clear autumn days, I have watched the morning sun touch the apples on the top of the aged tree in our garden. They gleamed and shone in the golden light. Inaccessible and lovely. Such a gift. (Even nicer to look at than eat!)
Then there are so many inconspicuous acts of kindness. Unremarkable because common. But easing our path through the day; and, at a deep level, reassuring us that there is so much goodness in people.
Some of this is channelled very creatively. At a recent local talk about the National Churches Trust, I was not surprised to learn about huge number of Christian churches and chapels which feature so strongly in our country. But, apart from worship, I was amazed at the figure and variety given to all the activities within these places, and the sheer gift of the volunteers who staff them for the good of others.
Which brings me to St Peter’s. Now as I look around our congregations, I am so thankful for the depth of experience and the range of talent within them; for personal friendships going back many years; and also for the chance to meet new people and learn about what they give to us. When Christ brings us together in love good things happen.
Thankfulness is not a luxury. It can be a way of looking around us, interpreting our world afresh. It is also a natural response to gifts given. And the foundation for many more.
Gracious God,
thank you for the joy of your kingdom,
which runs through our lives
and gives us the courage we need
to face the future,
alongside the people of Christ
and in his name. Amen.
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