During my morning devotional over coffee, I found myself returning to Matthew 6:34:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
As humans, we tend to want to control so many things. We experience frustration when the plans that we make fall apart or do not turn out the way that we had planned. This morning, I feel God calling us to surrender that control to God. If we take each day as a blessing and appreciate each moment that unfolds with gratitude, maybe the anger that we feel when our personal plans are thwarted could become an opportunity for thankfulness. By replacing irritation with intentional acts of gratitude, we transform our reactions into informed responses. Rather than reacting with anger, we have opportunities to respond with calmness, curiosity and compassion.
As Thanksgiving approaches and as families are looking at the possibility of food insecurity, taking time each day to be thankful for what we have is essential. Enjoying time with friends and family for the holidays is a beautiful thing, but what if we celebrated each day as if it were a holiday? Today, I am choosing to not worry so much about tomorrow, but to look for spaces and ways to practice gratitude for the blessings in my life. As Jesus did at the Last Supper, I will give thanks to God first and then share my time, my resources, and my heart with those around me.
May your week be a blessing and may you be a blessing to the world. May the Holy Spirit fill your heart and your soul as you look for ways to be thankful each day. May the Lord bless you and keep you, now and always.
Blessings,
Pastor Amber
