Dear friends,
What a wonderful time of year is this holiday set aside to give thanks. May we never forget the intent and purpose behind it, and may we never cease to be a people that give thanks to God for all things. Last year I was asked to write a prayer for the UM Portal and this is what I shared. May it still speak to God our thankfulness:
Loving God, in the midst of plenty or in the presence of scarcity, I am blessed. Whether it is a plate filled with food or facing what we now call a full plate of cares and worries, I am still blessed. At a table with family and friends, even with the absence of dear loved ones whose love and life once nurtured and supported me, I am blessed. On this day of counting blessings to give you thanks, let me give you thanks because in your love, I count and I matter to you. For the food that nourishes me and for the nourishment of faith, I give you thanks. For life, and for the fullness of life, I give you thanks. For the warm embrace of your love, for the warm glow of hope and light, even in the pit of despair, I give you thanks. As an action of giving thanks, let my life be a never-ending prayer and sermon of gratitude. And for the love of a dear Savior, in whom all things guides and inspires, in Christ Jesus, I pray with Thanksgiving. Amen.
May all who are traveling, travel safely. May time with loved ones be a special time. May the cares and worries of the past not hinder the present.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Eradio and Nellie Valverde
