Wednesday September 30 2020
A Thankful Heart
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“…so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11) |
Of all the many voices that shape us, cultivating a thankful heart takes time because on our journey of life and faith, or no faith, we learn which voices to trust and which to avoid.
Traditionally, at this time of year, many people celebrate harvest and have a thanksgiving meal. With the current restrictions it is difficult to be with family and friends just now but, perhaps the memories of our loved ones gathered around a dinner table might make our hearts well up with thankfulness in the hope that one day, we can gather face to face again. Meantime, perhaps we may be feeling restricted, in isolation, or lonely feeling that no one cares. Or, perhaps, once upon a time, we recall family or friends or neighbours were kind to us, went out their way, went the extra mile to do something unexpected for us, and we were thankful.
With the stresses and strains of lockdown and restrictions, many have become weary and a little over sensitive taking comments that hurt to heart. Longing for ‘the good samaritan’ to come alongside us, we realise that kindness does not depend upon a bank balance, but upon the heart. We can be generous and thoughtful with affirmations, encouragement, compassion and empathy giving freely of our time, energy, wisdom and imagination to reach out to others as Jesus taught us through his stories.
We have only to keep our hearts and eyes and ears open and we can trust that we will be overwhelmed by the multitude of God’s blessings and we will thank our good, good God.
Let’s pray.
Lord, we come to you just as we are. Some joyful hearts offering thanks. Some grieving hearts bringing sadness. Some lonely-hearts surrounded by isolation. Others bringing guilt and regret for the harm they have caused. So, here we are. And you open your arms to us, receiving us because we come to you, through your Son, Jesus, seeking forgiveness and change in our lives, in our hearts, in our souls. Bless us through your Spirit Lord that we can transform our lives and come to the place where we give our heartfelt thanks to you. Amen.
Traditionally, at this time of year, many people celebrate harvest and have a thanksgiving meal. With the current restrictions it is difficult to be with family and friends just now but, perhaps the memories of our loved ones gathered around a dinner table might make our hearts well up with thankfulness in the hope that one day, we can gather face to face again. Meantime, perhaps we may be feeling restricted, in isolation, or lonely feeling that no one cares. Or, perhaps, once upon a time, we recall family or friends or neighbours were kind to us, went out their way, went the extra mile to do something unexpected for us, and we were thankful.
With the stresses and strains of lockdown and restrictions, many have become weary and a little over sensitive taking comments that hurt to heart. Longing for ‘the good samaritan’ to come alongside us, we realise that kindness does not depend upon a bank balance, but upon the heart. We can be generous and thoughtful with affirmations, encouragement, compassion and empathy giving freely of our time, energy, wisdom and imagination to reach out to others as Jesus taught us through his stories.
We have only to keep our hearts and eyes and ears open and we can trust that we will be overwhelmed by the multitude of God’s blessings and we will thank our good, good God.
Let’s pray.
Lord, we come to you just as we are. Some joyful hearts offering thanks. Some grieving hearts bringing sadness. Some lonely-hearts surrounded by isolation. Others bringing guilt and regret for the harm they have caused. So, here we are. And you open your arms to us, receiving us because we come to you, through your Son, Jesus, seeking forgiveness and change in our lives, in our hearts, in our souls. Bless us through your Spirit Lord that we can transform our lives and come to the place where we give our heartfelt thanks to you. Amen.
© 2020 St Ninian's Parish Church.
Scottish Charity Number SC007453
Scottish Charity Number SC007453
