Love is the best ingredient
Sometimes I feel, and maybe you experience this too, that we move from Halloween straight into Christmas. As soon as the pumpkins come down, our stores are full of Santa and his helpers, reindeer, stars, and trees. I know as a church staff we feel the same compulsion! Our Christmas Eve and Christmas planning officially started yesterday and there’s some we do year round.
If we allowed it for ourselves, we might skip right past Thanksgiving. And, what a terrible loss that would be for all of us. I love that we have a holiday built around gratitude. I know there’s an awful lot of turkey and stuffing and pecan pie during Thanksgiving, as well. But, I’m most drawn to the concept of “giving thanks.” Though it has been an excruciatingly challenging last few years, we also have a lot to be thankful for as we approach this November holiday.
And, while I have the usual list that I run in my mind or heart of the things I’m thankful for—my wife, my beloved children, dear and supportive friends, a wonderful community and meaningful work and opportunity—this year I’m particularly grateful for you.
What a year! And, a year upon other years. Our sprinkler system failed and caused a mountain of damage. We had to reconnect our sewer because of adjacent development. We’ve expanded our staff. We’ve run a feasibility study and are in the planning stages of a capital campaign. Most communities like ours couldn’t shoulder these burdens. However, St. John’s, you, so generously and lovingly and quietly and wonderfully provide for the mission, ministry, and maintenance of this place! Our people, our leaders, our staff are all best in class human beings, and I am enormously grateful for you all. And, while I’ll be down in Texas on Turkey Day, you better bet I will be thinking of and praying prayers of gratitude for our wonderful church family!
With gratitude and love,
Jimmy
