Pausing for Thanksgiving

Friends of CWC,

The Hebrew and Christian Scriptures are speckled with moments of giving thanks. Prayers are offered, songs are sung, dances are danced and blessings are received. Even our ritual of Holy Communion relives Jesus pausing to give thanks to God before he serves and feeds and nurtures. Ritualized or not, the act of pausing in gratitude IS a spiritual practice.

The American culture often identifies itself through political lenses. We see each other not as fellow humans on a journey, but as red or blue humans either living right or wrong depending on your persuasion. And now we have moved directly from election season to shopping season. In the midst of these secular waves, it can be difficult to settle ourselves enough to have a spiritual practice or to notice some inner sense of connection.

Christian communities are about to embark on an Advent journey searching for peace and love, as we await the birth of hope. But somewhere between the Christmas music on the radio, door buster sales and news reports of traveling hazards, we have an opportunity to pause. We have an opportunity to create some space to acknowledge all that we have, to observe the connection we have with one another, and to offer thanks to a Higher Power, whom I call God for the gift of creation.

Amid the gatherings this weekend, the football, turkey, family "stuff", even among the shopping, may we pause to give thanks. Light a candle, say a prayer, let us make some space to allow ourselves to be filled with awe and wonder for our blessings. Monday we can focus on where we need to go, but for now, let's pause and be grateful we are on the journey in the first place.

I am grateful for the ministry of CWC, for the lives that we touch, for the people who pray for us, donate their treasure for us, and who provide leadership. And this weekend, I especially give thanks for all those who are courageous enough to live into who they've been created to be. I thank God for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied community!

May you be touched this weekend and know that you are loved. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

In Peace,

Rev. Tara