Thought for Today
Psalm 50:23 Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God."
Jeremiah 30:19 Out of them shall come thanksgiving, and the sound of merrymakers. I will make them many, and they shall not be few; I will make them honored, and they shall not be disdained.
2 Corinthians 4:15 Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Philippians 4:6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Last night, my end-of-the-day prayer ended up being a prayer of thanksgiving. The last thing I do each evening is to pray. That closing prayer is not anything formal; it is just the time I set aside to review the day with God. Some days, I merely reflect on what the day has brought, joys, cares and concerns. Some days, I pray for guidance, for direction, for God’s strength in dealing with the issues of that day. Last night became, primarily, an extended “thank you God” for that day and for the current state of my life. The longer God and I communed, the more I realized how much I have been blessed by God.
Of course, I did not forget to lift up those for whom I am currently praying, sick and suffering friends, the current state of our country and our world, even our primary care physician who asked us to pray for her pregnancy to go well. I am ‘hard-wired’ to view the world through ‘rose-colored’ glasses. I was raised by a loving family and my general approach to life was especially influenced by my mother. She was the single most cheerful person I have ever known. “’Keep on the Sunny Side’ is a beloved American song originally penned in 1899 by Ada Blenkhorn (1858–1927) with music composed by J. Howard Entwisle (1866–1903). The song gained widespread popularity after the Carter Family recorded it in 1928.” (internet search) The first part of the refrain should have been Mom’s theme song for life, “Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, Keep on the sunny side of life. It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way, If we keep on the sunny side of life.” I’ve tried to make it my mantra also.
An honest assessment of the lives of most who are reading this would yield that, in general, most of us have every reason to keep on the sunny side of life, and especially to thank our Creator God for that sunny side of life. Yes, many if not most of our lives will also include storm clouds. Some of you may be experiencing storm clouds right now; but, as that song reminds us, “The sun again will shine bright and clear.” And, our Bible reminds us, “Genesis 1:16 God made the two great lights-- the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night-- and the stars.” No matter what, the sun again will shine bright and clear.
Yesterday, I was reminded of the wonderful friends we have made since our move to New England. We met with our Wednesday social group. The group composition has changed a bit since its inception. Even our initial excuse for getting together has waned in importance. The group had to forego meeting during the pandemic. But, largely through the efforts of one couple who now host us weekly in their home, we once again share friendship and fellowship together. Some have even become part of our Zoom worship congregation.
Last night, I met with our church council. Some of us were on Zoom; some were together in person at the church. As I listened to the reports of the various committees, I was again reminded of all the wonderful ministry and mission being done by God’s children out in the world. I heard an end-of-the-year summary of the almost unbelievable efforts of the First Parish Community Food Pantry in combating food insecurity in our community. Of the volunteers offering their time and energy selflessly. Of the donations of food and resources from individuals and businesses. And, especially, of the guests who have been served. Children of God loving their neighbors.
I also heard about the mission work of Our Secret Garden Preschool. About the tireless efforts of the director and the teachers to nourish young lives, to introduce the future generations to the bounty of our Creator God in nature.
And, as I am every day, last night I was aware that I am constantly surrounded by the love and nurture of my wife and family. I was reminded of Paul’s words, “Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.”
Stay safe, look on the sunny side and thank God, trust God,
Pastor Ray