Weekly Reflection
“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits—“
(Psalm 103:1-2)
Psalm 103 is a Psalm of thanksgiving for God’s goodness. “Bless” is one of the characteristic terms for expressing gratitude to God. We bless God whenever we call to mind, with gratitude, all that God has done for us.
Tomorrow, as I celebrate Thanksgiving with my roommate, my brother, and my best friend, I will have much to give thanks for. I love the peace and simple beauty of my home, the sense of safety in which I am blessed to rest each night, and the joy of being surrounded by reminders of my life, and the years gone by.
I am thankful for meaningful work, and opportunities to provide for myself, and others. I am thankful for friends – near and far, and for my family – as complicated as it can sometimes be.
I am thankful for the education I have received, and for my love of learning, which inspires me to grow every day. I am thankful for forgiveness and second (and sometimes third!) chances.
I am thankful for a variety of delicious and nutritious foods, and for my health. I am thankful for access to reliable transportation, and for the wanderlust that carries me around the block, and around the world.
I am thankful for the privilege and the absolute joy it is to be in ministry with each and all of you, and for my faith, which continually lifts me up, and calls me to things of eternal value.
Throughout scripture, we are reminded to “never forget what God has done for us”.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, I thought I might offer you some “conversation starters” which you might include in your conversations with family and friends around the dinner table, or even in your private time of prayer and meditation. Perhaps, you’ll even keep these handy for days, conversations, and opportunities to reflect, beyond tomorrow. May they be a blessing to you, and may they inspire you to bless God continually through your days.
• What are you most thankful for today?
• What are you most thankful for in your home?
• What are you most thankful for outside?
• What place are you most thankful for?
• What part of your childhood brings you feelings of gratitude?
• What is the smallest thing you are thankful for?
• What is the biggest thing you are thankful for?
• What teacher/boss/mentor/leader are you most thankful for?
• In what ways has your gratitude changed as you have grown older?
• Would you be more grateful for more money, more time, or more sleep?
• What has God done in your life that you are most thankful for?
• How has your faith increased your gratitude?
• What strength about yourself are you most thankful for?
• What bible verse about gratitude brings you comfort?
• Why is an “attitude of gratitude” so important?
• How can you show gratitude for your family?
• How can you show gratitude for your friends?
• What attribute of God are you most thankful for?
• What song/book/animal/friend are you most grateful for?
• Can you name a sounds that remind you of God’s goodness? (examples: A baby’s laugh? A recess bell?…)
• Can you name a time you have felt very thankful to God. How did you express that thankfulness?
• Can you think of times when someone else’s joy has spread to you? How about times when your happiness has spread to others?
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
May God’s blessings be upon each and every one of you at Thanksgiving!
With love and joy!
Pastor Denise