Blessings of Gratitude

Dear God – Creator of all things – may we offer our thanks, thanksgiving, gratitude, and moments of joy, no matter how fleeting –

May our hearts swell in thanks…

For friends nearby and far away – the ones we can hold hands with and the ones we label as friends on social media.

For moments of blue sky, so brilliant against the colors of gold and red and green, and the bare November branches that lean towards gray.

For a candle lit in prayer, the real flame and the best a battery can offer.

For hairstylists and barbers, we know and trust, their hands massaging and scissors styling.

For whatever fall treat that makes us smile.

For our God who created us and His son Jesus who saves us and His Holy Spirit who wraps us in comfort and sometimes gives a little, or big nudge.

For shoes and socks and warm clothes blanketing us against unforgiving November winds.

For children or grandchildren, ours or observed – with turkeys made out of handprints and construction paper going gobble gobble gobble.

For the saints in our lives, the ones we can see and the ones we remember.

For the pets, we love to hold and pet, soothing them… but mostly ourselves with their unconditional love.

For Lay Leaders and Worship Leaders, Small Group Leaders (youth and adult), for the quiet ones, and the out loud ones.

For the ability to love, to forgive, to stay connected across the miles and across the years.

For the best of the past and the future to come – a day, a minute, a lifetime.

We thank you, O Lord, for these and for much. We ask for your help as we endeavor to welcome, gather, grow, and share all that we have and all that we are. Amen, and the Peace of Christ to you each and all.   

Pastor Cathy