The thanks in giving
This month, the focus for our services at Deer Park UMC in Bailey has centered on the idea of community outreach. Like others who choose to do this, I figured it would be a nice theme to focus on as we approach the holidays, since this seems to be the time extending a hand to the people around us sits most heavily on our minds. Of course, as a person recently blessed to be removed from an impoverished situation, I have to say, it would be good for us all to focus on this long outside of the holiday season, as need exists every day and night for people caught in difficult situations; but nonetheless, for the month of November, with a celebration of thankfulness resting at its end, our thoughts have been especially focused.
On Thanksgiving, people always ask you to mention at least one thing you’re thankful for having in your life. Each head around the table tends to roll their eyes as the rolls are passed (and if you don’t do it on the outside, it usually happens somewhere below the surface, no matter how old you are, or how much you actually find value in being thankful).
So at the risk of sounding corny (sorry for all of these indirect food references—must a subconscious ), I’ve been thinking lately about how thankful I am for all of the “thank you” ‘s people have been speaking down at the food pantry. Not because they were heard; since, at the end of the day, wanting to hear a “thank you” tends to be, on at least some level, an act of egotism, as we gain self-satisfaction in hearing someone recognize something we’ve done which we considered “good.” I don’t mean it like that, and believe we should feel enough satisfaction in knowing we did what we knew was right regardless of whether or not someone says “thank you,” or even realizes how much work you put into whatever it is you did to supposedly “deserve” the comment.
I’ve been happy about all of the mentioned thank you’s because they were felt.
We all know what it’s like to sense that feeling of “thanks.” It rises and swells sort of right in the middle of your chest, then sits deep. It’s the feeling of an easing heart. And it’s a gift to be able to bring that sense to anyone else, knowing how good it makes you feel to have it yourself.
Today I walked into the church, and saw the Thanksgiving Baskets laid out on the tables inside. Just looking at them made me feel so thankful for all of that thanks people would feel at seeing them, and taking them home. I was shocked to see too, that a Christmas tree was provided to the families as well. When my husband and I went through our harder times, the crunching pain inside of not being able to celebrate the holidays because the numbers on your ATM slip are too low has a tendency to bring you down even lower than the inked digits on the bank receipt. Today I saw a small kid smiling as he pulled the tree from the rail and brought it over for his dad to strap to the top of the car. I was overwhelmed with gratitude.
This month let’s give thanks for the thanks, as we do as much as we can to help hearts swell and settle with the love and care of God.
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