Slideshow image

 Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving 

I had the good fortune of being around the parish on Saturday morning, as Altar Guild members were busy preparing the sanctuary and chancel for Thanksgiving. (My presence was only after having breakfast with a friend going through Duncan from Victoria to Nanaimo.)            

Sitting down to keyboard, with fingers on the keys, I reflected on Thanksgiving 2022.
My thoughts turned to the past 10+ days and a list formed in my mind.

What are/were my ‘thanksgivings’ over the past fortnight or two:  

  • The joint parish Harvest Supper (St. Peter’s & St. John’s)
    The sense of celebration and the enthusiastic conversations shared.
  • The engaging Fall Book Study with members of the parish.
  • The preparations for Thanksgiving Sunday worship.
  • Entering the sanctuary that Sunday morning – aroma of harvest greeting all.
  • Family supper on Thanksgiving Sunday, complete with pumpkin dessert prepared by our daughter.
  • Monday-lunch with friends from parish life in Saskatchewan, now living on Vancouver Island.
  • The balance of Monday to simply rest, and visit via phone with family on the prairies, hearing stories of harvest and winter preparations.  

Recently, I read of a conversation between two friends. The one asked the other, “How are you doing.” The response, “Better than I deserve.”

The response was sincere and appreciative.  

I had never thought of making this response. Now, I think of how the experiences of the fast few days have been a “gift beyond measure.”  

I think, also, how one must share the idea of giving thanks.  
Parish-life presents a constant experience of people, with humble willingness, setting example with offerings of painting; reinforcing ramps; a young boy’s summer-mowing of the church lawn (his grandfather reminded him “this is a job for which you don’t get paid; this is God’s work”); asking after people’s health; sharing comments of how people are missed,; quiet offerings for the food bank; magical filling of the little deep-freezer on the stage, for those in need.

The list is endless.   All of this reminds me of Luke 8:38-39a

“The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Jesus; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.”  

This is another part of “why I am better than I deserve.”  

Each day, I engage with people--church members and non-members alike--who constantly go about life in a sincere and appreciative manner, humbly serving, and setting an example for others.  

Blessings to all this week,
Archdeacon Brian+