Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

 

Oct 6, 2021

“Give thanks with a grateful heart; Give thanks to the Holy One, ..Give thanks!”

From time to time we sing the above words as we present our offering
to God and dedicate the gifts given to the church for the sacred mission of the church. But what are we offering to God in those envelopes?  Asking a regular giver- they would respond a portion of the blessings they have received from God.

As we approach the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, we might wonder for what we are we giving thanks. We know that the crops and harvest are still being harvested yet the vegetables and fruit bins at stores are overflowing. Is it for this food that we are grateful? Or it is more than this?

We know that in this last 18 months, there have been new awakenings in the minds and hearts of people. What was once a priority is no longer the same as people have spent more time with family and friends and less time running from one activity to another. But are we willing to give up or away some of the blessings we have received in order to help others.

When we gather to eat at Thanksgiving will we take it for granted that we will eat well because we live in Canada. Will we be mindful that in the world over 690,000,000 people will go to bed or sleep hungry each night?

For what are you grateful? Health, food, shelter, friends, family—being loved and sharing love?

Maybe that is what is needed right now..a grateful heart.

Let us pray:

When I wake up each day let gratitude stir and strengthen me, O God.

Let it draw me to goodness and hold me there...

There, where your Spirit sings, ”Go define love today,” and my heart chooses to rise to the occasion.

 Amen.*, 

*Mission and Service Fund, The United Church of Canada, Philanthropy Unit