During our midweek Thanksgiving Service, Tom Painter asked the congregation to help put together a list of things we were thankful for. In very short order we said we were thankful for:
- Our Church Family 12. Our Soldiers who protect us and give us our Freedom
- Our Physical Family 13. The ability to pray
- Opportunities 14. God’s Discipline in our lives
- Neville & Douwene 15. Our Challenges
- Our Elders 16. The Word of God
- Memories of past members 17. The Diversity of Talents at Summit
- Our excellent Healthcare 18. Hope
- Our Returning Families 19. God’s love
coming in for Thanksgiving 20. Our Physical Blessings
- Our Freedom 21. The Assurance of Eternal Life
- The Christian Family Support 22. God’s Safety for all who are traveling we have at Summit
23. Our New Brothers and Sisters in Christ - Jesus saying, we can love 24. The Families of Soldiers our enemies
What can we learn about Summit from this list?
- Clearly, we communicate our gratitude. Not only in the above list, but in
prayer to God, through texts, emails, cards, calls, and visits. - We appreciate the little things. It is so easy to get distracted in this life and not notice: a beautiful moon on a cold winter night; a blood red sun rising or setting; rain falling on a pond; birds chirping in the trees; wind blowing through the cedar pines; or a dog’s smile.
- We are generous. Our pantry is always being restocked; we collect socks and gloves for the homeless (Natalie Denham); we are collecting totes (Candice Bennington) & toys (Kyle & Alisha Proctor) for this area’s foster children; we collect coins for mother’s and children in crises; and we are adopting Bellevue Headstart Children to brighten their season.
- We are thankful in all circumstances. Life is not always easy. But it is always easy to find something to be thankful for. As the French novelist Karr wrote: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses.”
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. We give thanks to you in ALL circumstances – for this is your will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thess.5:18). Through His Name – Amen.
