From the Desk of Deacon Judy

In this season of Thanksgiving, gratitude is an obvious theme. In the materials that Kathy Graham offered at the Bazaar, we learn:

“Gratitude is about focusing on what is good in our lives. Being thankful for all the things we already have is a daily practice.”

Kathy provided a Gratitude Calendar and a Gratitude Coloring Book.

Many friends keep a Gratitude Journal and find that these reflections of gratitude sustain them in the most difficult of times.

Some people avow “An Attitude of Gratitude”, giving thanks for all the joys and sorrows in their life.

Expressing gratitude becomes part of our rule of life, an essential element of our spiritual discipline.

Each Sunday when we celebrate Eucharist, we give thanks for Jesus, for his body and blood, for our new life in Him.

In the Jewish tradition, the first of the daily prayers is to give thanks to God for a daily renewal of life: ”I give thanks unto You, Adonai, that, in mercy, You have restored my soul within me. Endless is Your compassion; great is Your faithfulness. I thank You, Adonai, for the rest You have given me through the night and for the breath that renews my body and spirit.”

Some of us greet the day with “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Our BCP Morning Prayer Liturgy offers a Prayer of Thanksgiving:

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

May gratitude truly become a way of life for us all.

Thanksgiving Blessings, Judy Q+