Living the Connection: The Continuing United Methodist Church

Always Give Thanks

posted on March 09

Always Give Thanks

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:20 (CEB)

Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that I try very hard to live into every day. I am blessed in countless ways, every single day, and I give thanks to God for his boundless love. The season of Lent, as we journey toward the Cross, is an opportunity to spend time in reflection…to think on these things…and maybe even write them down. As I count my blessings, here are just a few:

  • Grace, grace, God’s grace. God’s abounding grace and love surrounds and transforms my life and being every day. I am blessed by a close family, dear friends, and awesome colleagues who love and care about me, and even hold me accountable.
  • Reading, that provides inspiration, learning, comfort, and even fun.
  • A church family that has nurtured my faith journey since I was an infant. It is hard for me to even imagine my life without that family, because it has formed who I am. And, I have been blessed with opportunities to grow friendships with United Methodists across our connection…here, across the country, and even around the world. A day does not go by that I don’t engage in, celebrate, and give thanks for that connection.
  • Talents shared by friends that lift me up through music, inspirational writing, art, photography, comedy, and more. A special one that I have enjoyed during the pandemic has been the faith-filled musical gifts of Catherine Ritch, a Diaconal Minister in our conference. Daily, Catherine shares the music of faith from her piano, and sometimes her Dad joins her to sing his faith. Enjoy a video shared last week, with Catherine playing Grace, Grace, God’s Grace. Thank you, Catherine!
  • Inspiration and hope that is part of every vaccination going into someone’s arm. I am grateful for medical research and the ongoing work to make that possible for everyone, and I am looking forward to the day that is my turn. One day at a time, one vaccination at a time, we are going to get there.
  • Technology that allows me to visit, work, and share with family, friends, colleagues, church family, and beyond during this pandemic.
  • United Methodist Women, which has been and continues to be a transformational part of my faith journey. I am inspired by and grateful for my amazing United Methodist Women sisters, who make a difference every day, turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.
  • Daily simple things, like conversations with family and friends, quiet time, a cup of hot tea, a good meal, clean water, electricity, a warm home, a walk outside, and restful sleep.
  • Every hint of Spring, and the beauty of God’s creation that surrounds us. I took the photo of crocuses on the day that an ice storm was threatening. Hopeful little crocuses brightened a gloomy winter day!

What are the items on your gratitude list? Spend some time in reflection, maybe even write them down, and always give thanks.

With gratitude,
Lynne

Lynne Gilbert, District Administrator
Northern Piedmont District
 

 

Always Give Thanks