How Will We Respond?

Thirteenth-century Christian Mystic Meister Eckhart once wrote, “If the only prayer you say is ‘Thank you,’ that will suffice.”

I hope you had an opportunity to share a meal and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday yesterday. (I imagine some of you are in clean-up mode – worn out…

Pastor Jeffry Carter writes, “It is common for people to make immediate promises to themselves after leaving a wedding feast, funeral meal, or holiday dinner: ‘I would marry you all over again.’ ‘I’ll come home more often.’ ‘I’m going to invest more in this relationship.’ ‘I need to pay more attention to my marriage.’ ‘I’m not going to take this life for granted.’ ‘We should get together more often.’ ‘I’m going to value my friendships more.’ The refrains are common because the occasions for the meals remind us of the past, bring to light a reason to celebrate the moment, and give us a transforming hope for the future.”

Yesterday, we paused to remember the manifold blessings in our lives. We gave thanks for the wonder of being alive and all the gifts that make life rich. As you reflect on these gifts, and on the blessings of friendship and love, I wonder, how will you respond. How will you say thanks?

Let us pray: Loving God, out of deep gratitude, we return our hearts and our lives to you. Use us in the days and weeks ahead to bless others, and by so doing to bless you.

We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.