A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
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I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, –that unless I believed, I should not understand.-- St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Thanksgiving 2020


by Lindsey Funtik, Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries, Ashland First United Methodist Church,  Ashland, Ohio.
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The loud, the cheerful, the expansive has shrunk.

Now it is gentle and quiet and maybe a little bit hollow.

Now it is a quick shopping list and an early Christmas tree and just a few extra hugs from the only safe arms. 

Now it is resignation to make the most of it. 

Now it is the temptation to wallow. 

Now comes the decision–

joy over happiness,

clinging tightly (however you can) over isolation,

gratitude over the tidal wave. 

I choose:

To watch the waters be pushed aside by the hand of a gracious God. 

To lean into the resilience and strength which are mine to claim.

To praise the Lord for this bread, this roof, this moment. 

To make that pomegranate cream tart anyway because I want to make that pomegranate cream tart anyway. 

So there. 

So it is.
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