Good Monday morning...

 

… and the subject of gratitude is on my mind this morning as I prepare for the week ahead.  As is the case with most Mondays, I will be starting the work week with bereavement groups.  I love the opportunity to sit with experts in grief (those who are in it) and learn from the stories they share about the losses they are living with.  These courageous men and women have taught me so much over the years.

I’m never surprised but always blessed when a bereaved person experiences connection with an emotion or recurring experience that puzzled them before.  The relief and joy that the connection brings is a beautiful thing to witness.  Just last week I witnessed a bereaved husband and son connect his sorrows with deep meaning in his own spiritual life.  That is something I am grateful to experience with people.  When the bereaved reconnect with meaning in their lives, I give thanks to God for the privilege of sharing in the joy.

Reunions with people are another source of my gratitude this morning.  Lisa and I enjoyed the first of its kind reunion with people we’ve known for over a 30-year period.  The time we shared with these friends was, I pray, mutually beneficial.  I speak for myself when I say that I truly benefited from our conversation and peaceful enjoyment of the shared meal.  I am particularly grateful for the encouragement to experience Italy!

I’m grateful for the church.  As we communed together yesterday morning and experienced the joy of focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ in song, in teaching from the Bible, and in sharing the Lord’s Supper together, it was obvious that the joy of the Lord was in that place.  While I’m always aware that there are many members of the Oak Springs family who cannot be physically present, I am deeply grateful for the rich experience of fellowship shared by those who are.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to reminisce.  Thinking about my experience from the front of the church, I recalled that Sissy, Dave, and Pat have all graduated to heaven.  Barbara and Ken are unable to attend due to physical circumstances.  Divina has recently moved out of town.  The physical presence of these wonderful people is greatly missed, but the reality of their relationships is ever present.

Give thanks today for the people in your life… no matter the circumstance.  Lift their names in prayer to the Lord.  Enjoy the feelings of gratitude that flood your mind and emotions.

For His glory,

Pastor Mike