Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I pray this week’s Pastor’s Corner finds you safe and well, surrounded by friends and family, and perhaps even a little more than well-fed after your Thanksgiving meal.

I am writing on Tuesday, and what lies before me and my family is a week full of preparation and travel to prepare for our family Thanksgiving festivities. I’ve had a few moments of excitement thinking about seeing family members and the conversations that we will share around the table, as well as a few moments of dread for the food that must be cooked, all the work that must be finished, and all the traveling that must be done between now and Thanksgiving Day.

In these moments, where a sense of urgency and hurry begins to creep in, I hear the voice of God reminding me that thankfulness is the opposite of busyness. That thankfulness requires an intentionality and sense of gratitude often absent when we are swept up by all that must be “done.” To be sure, today kicks off a season where there is and will be much to be done, much to experience, and much to share. Advent and Christmas will only increase our busyness as we take in all that the season has to offer.

However, I pray that you don’t miss this moment, this time of Thanksgiving when we are invited to remember the goodness of God, the warmth of family and friends, and the beauty of community. Don’t miss the blessing of this day, as it is an invitation to take in the blessing of every day, an invitation to the sacrament of the present moment, the place where God is found in our everyday living.

So, today and every day, give thanks for all of the blessings that God has poured out upon us. Don’t be so busy that you miss the blessing.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jonathan Smith
For Jesus. For People. For Community.