Thankfulness in Our Hearts

I’ve never had a problem being thankful.  It’s one of the things that my mom always said that I’ve had ever since I was little. I find I’m a fairly optimistic person, sometimes to the point of naivete.  This year though has been tough.  It seems like every time we get through one crisis, another emerges (or re-emerges as with COVID).  Even for myself this year, I’ve found challenge with losing my grandmother in June, just a week short of her 100th birthday, and not being able to attend the funeral, or even in the small things, like not being able to host board game nights to gather friends together.  

Despite that, I wonder if this time has allowed us to refocus on the things that matter.  I heard one friend share how because they are no longer so socially busy, they’ve rediscovered the value of family time and pouring into relationships that matter to them.  All of the distractions we used to busy ourselves with have been taken away and so maybe God has given us this time to refocus our energies on Him as well.  Maybe that gives us something to be thankful for.  

A few of the things I am thankful for this year:

• A family of believers who perseveres in doing life together despite our differences of opinion
• Fellow pastors and elders who are listening and discerning how to best shepherd the members of Cornerstone
• Donors who give generously to the many needs in our community through BloodworksNW, Jubilee Reach, Rescue Freedom and many others
• A building to minister to others and continue to gather in corporate worship
• Our eternal life and salvation that goes beyond our immediate circumstances

Some of these may not outweigh the personal losses we have experienced this year.  But Paul calls us to encourage one another towards gratitude as brothers and sisters of the faith. Colossians 3:15-17 says:
 
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

As we sit down for our turkey/ham/whatever your Thanksgiving traditions may bring, I’m praying you are able to experience gratitude even in this time, as you celebrate God’s goodness to us.

Happy Thanksgiving!  

~Pastor Daryl on behalf of the Cornerstone staff