Give Thanks

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)

Even those of us gathered in warm homes, with tables full of delicious food, will sometimes find it difficult not to worry about the basics of life. Jesus did not imply that these things aren't important or that we shouldn't work for them - only that we remember that life is more. If the turkey is burned, a favorite dish isn't on the table, or the house is not just the way we'd like it to be the day is not ruined - it was never about those things anyway.

We thank God for those with whom we gather - for families we were born into and families we've created.

We lift up those who are alone.

We thank God for the memory of those who are no longer with us.

We lift up those for whom the loss is acute.

We thank God for the opportunity to take time away from jobs and daily commitments.

We lift up those who have to work.

May we be those who invite, embrace, and make room so that all will have a place of love and laughter - to know and be known.

May we be the blessing we most want to receive and find the bounty of the day in each heart we meet.

33 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)