Give Thanks!

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Thanksgiving Day BCP 246)

I still have kale growing in my lettuce bed. After the last couple weeks of cold temperatures and a few frosts, I'm not sure how its still growing, but I am trying to enjoy the blessing of fresh grown kale from my garden. It reminds me that even though things can be harsh, there may still be blessings waiting for us. Through all the troubles and frustrations, there are still reasons to give thanks for this year.

Certainly this year has been rough, hard, frustrating, and troublesome (or however you would like to phrase it, I have to be somewhat diplomatic in a religious reflection). With the pandemic, the struggles with racism, and the election tension, many of us are feeling a little beat up going into this year's holiday season.  Even the Thanksgiving holiday, when looked at historically, is harsh and frustrating, since the early settlers forced their indigenous neighbors to act, speak, and dress like themselves. Yet, the underlying reason for Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God, is still very important and we have plenty to give thanks about, even this year.

If you're reading this, the chances are you still have shelter, food and water, you have connection to the church and community, you have power, heat, and sanitation systems. You may be sick, but you have access to healthcare and others who will help you heal. If you are reading this you have a community of neighbors you can always reach out to, in times of joy or sorrow to share. All these are reasons to give thanks. Whether you eat a turkey leg or some tofurkey this week, let God know about all the things you are grateful for, as we give thanks in community for all the blessings we have been given.