How did the counting of your blessings go? Did you come up with a list? Did you name them one by one, as the traditional hymn implores us to do? There is growing evidence of what having a spirit of gratitude can do for a person. A short list of the impact that gratitude can have on a person is; improving sleep, reduced stress, improved mental health, greater happiness, can improve social relationships, some research even suggest gratitude can lower blood pressure and strengthen one’s immune system. And the list can go one. Practicing an attitude of gratitude can have a lasting positive impact on one’s body, mind, and spirit. So, with this in mind I want to share a few of my points of gratitude
I am grateful for a house with a working furnace (as we are preparing for a coming winter storm). I am grateful for a church family that has chosen to stay together in spite of the challenges of the past five years. Yes, we have lost some church members. This fact saddens me – pastors never want to lose members. But I also celebrate when people find a new church home that fits better with their belief system. On the other hand, we have also gained some members through all the turmoil of the last several years. That I celebrate!
I am grateful for three grandsons who are all healthy and doing well as they begin their journey of life. In years to come, I look forward to exploring the role of being grandpa and a fun-loving supportive presence in each of their lives. (I guarantee you this…it will most likely include Dairy Queen!)
I am grateful for the leadership of our church. People who give of their time and abilities in many different ways to make sure our church, as an organization, keeps moving forward and in a direction that is focused on the purpose and ministry that we believe God has placed us here for. Along this same line, I am also grateful for the staff that I work with on a regular basis. They help me so much to accomplish the goals and work of this church body here in our community and the world. I am grateful for Bishop Lanette, Rev. Brandon Vetter our Conference Superintendent, and all the Conference Staff. They provide support, direction, encouragement, and so many other things that I don’t have to worry about because they are doing their work of ministry.
I am grateful for my spouse, Nancy, who has stuck with me for over 40 years. Even as I have taken her on the “See the Dakotas” plan through the various appointments I’ve served in. She has truly been that silent partner who does so much in the background that is rarely acknowledged. I am grateful for my two adult children who continue to include me in their lives and families.
Now, I could go on and on sharing my gratitude list. But I won’t do that. Hopefully it has inspired each of you to think about your own list. The other thing I know to be true is this…to gain the greatest positive impact of gratitude in one’s life, it has to become a regular part of one’s life. It’s not a once-and-done thing. Gratitude needs to become a regular part of one’s life. In fact, gratitude really needs to become a part of the rhythm of one’s life. That is when the greatest impact is felt.
So, as we move into the season of Advent, a season of waiting and preparation, may we also take with us not only the season of thanksgiving, but may we include in the regular rhythm of life the spirit, the attitude, the habit of gratitude. Let’s give it a try for the next year and see what happens within us and around us. Who’s willing to give this a try with me?? Let’s do it and hold each other accountable!
Pastor Keith