Don't Miss This Thanks at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is upon us, and that means taking time to catalogue our blessings. Yet this activity isn’t only an appropriate seasonal one, it’s food for a solid Christian faith. Paul reminds us to continually have thanksgiving on our lips when making requests to God. The underlying implication is that there will always be things that we want God to do, but noticing what God has already done can give us hope for the future and reassurance right now.  

I remember the handprint turkeys my children used to make in preschool. As they cut them out, each of their fingers would form a feather on the turkey, and each feather would symbolize one thing that they were thankful for. I cherished them because they inspired me. I read things like “My Family,” “God,” and “Cake” on those little feathers.

This past Sunday, I was a Sunday school helper for grades 1-3. While the children didn’t make turkeys, they did something just as symbolic. A teacher drew a mountain, and the children filled it in with their prayers that they printed on slips of paper. I was particularly drawn to the “You are great, God, because…” section of the mountain. I asked the children, “When you think about your answers, think about what only God can do in your life.” They wrote things like:

“You forgive.”

“You move the Earth.”

“You love everyone and me.”

Perhaps my favorite answer, however, read: “You hold my grandmother in your hands.” The young girl who wrote that had asked for prayer earlier in the class because her grandmother had recently died. Her simple words demonstrated a rich theological truth. Indeed, only God could now hold her grandmother — she knew it and was grateful.

As you catalogue your blessings, I hope you’ll include a recognition of what only God can do for you as well. As scripture says, “A little child shall lead them…”

Want to read more? Here's my favorite article on thankfulness. 

A Prayer to Grow Stronger, Part IV: Leaves

          While some conceive God’s favorite answer is no, I’ve discovered it’s a resounding yes! God not only says yes to our life, but desires us to have an abundant one. Some of the richest biblical images for God involve life and growth. Perhaps my favorite is when Jesus describes himself as the vine, and we are the branches; we simply cannot flourish apart from him (John 15:5). As I seek to grow at God’s direction, as I look to deepen connections to my Source, I offer you this prayer that revolves around the different parts of a tree. Relevant stories illustrate each part. My hope is that we will flourish in our life and service by praying it. This week is the final edition and ends in leaves, which are timely for the season. For last week's reflection on branches and the importance of taking risks, click here.

Leaves

Lord, I want to live subject to your Spirit. May my obedience further your church as I connect with your people and reach out to the world. Thank you for being a God of jubilation — like a leaf, I want to dance!

            I’ve noticed when there’s a storm approaching, tiny leaves can actually make an awful lot of noise. I marvel at how thousands can move on their branches as the wind brushes past them. I’ve come to understand what the psalmist meant when he describes the trees as “clapping their hands” (Isaiah 55:12). It’s humbling to watch them move harmoniously to the rhythm of our Creator. But this scene holds more than a simple reflection of God’s majesty — it holds instruction too.

            There’s wisdom in imagining ourselves as one of those leaves. When I think about a leaf blowing in the wind, I remember the Bible describing the Holy Spirit as breath and wind, and I imagine living my life in accordance with the blowing direction of the Spirit. A leaf shakes at the smallest gust; I wonder how I can better obey the Spirit’s tiniest promptings. I’m also challenged to view my role as a single leaf in light of an entire tree. A tiny leaf can make a roar when it is connected to its source and joined with others in motion. The same can be said of us as we join with one another in Christ’s service.

            So often faith is a solitary enterprise today. From competing church commitments to a penchant for individual spirituality, the body of Christ is easily neglected. And while a single leaf on the ground can make a crunch, it misses the swaying, spectacular dance. Beautiful things can happen when a community comes together for change; the same can be true of the church. That's why I link arms with my local congregation. And as I desire to make a difference at the Spirit’s prompting, I remember of the humility and power of a leaf.

Reflection

In the past four weeks, we have explored vital elements to Christian growth that are symbolized by a tree’s roots, trunk, branches, and leaves. As you think about your own life in the weeks to come, consider episodes when God has directed your growth respectively by giving you deeper roots, a patient heart, an exhilarated soul, or a jubilant obedience.

Closing Prayer

          Lord, grow me in each element above toward a unified vision of my life that’s flourishing. Help me to find true fulfillment in your service. Thank you in advance for your faithfulness! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for joining me in praying these past few weeks! If you've enjoyed this series, please bookmark this prayer to come back to and share it today with a friend!

A Prayer to Grow Stronger, Part III: Branches

          
          While some conceive God’s favorite answer is no, I’ve discovered it’s a resounding yes! God not only says yes to our life, but desires us to have an abundant one. Some of the richest biblical images for God involve life and growth. Perhaps my favorite is when Jesus describes himself as the vine, and we are the branches; we simply cannot flourish apart from him (John 15:5). As I seek to grow at God’s direction, as I look to deepen connections to my Source, I offer you this prayer that revolves around the different parts of a tree. Relevant stories illustrate each part. My hope is that we will flourish in our life and service by praying it. For last week's reflection on the trunk of a tree and the importance of patience, click here.

Branches

          Lord, speak to my soul and equip me for the risks worth taking. As I listen for your voice, help me to take hold of your hand. May I live the exhilarating life you destined just for me!

            When I was younger, there was a particular tree that I loved to climb at a neighbor’s house. You had to be a certain height to throw your arms around its lowest branch and hoist yourself up. I remember the day I was first able to do it and the fun that ensued. At first, I mounted up the tree slowly and carefully. But the tomboyish spirit of my youth quickly won out as I swung from branch to branch. I felt tall, strong, and invincible. Luckily, the worst repercussion I ever experienced while climbing was a random splinter or scraped knee.

             There’s a balance of exhilaration and danger that a tree offers a young child, and I find the same to be true as I follow my calling as an adult today. On a daily basis, I need to have a comfort level with risk and sometimes, an appetite for adventure. From trying something new in ministry to writing vulnerable words on a page, when I get it right, the thrill feels like it did the first day on those high branches — it’s exhilarating! At the same time, there have been things that didn’t work, outcomes that I didn’t desire, and pushing through those bumps and bruises is a part of the process.

          American author and professor John Shedd once wrote, “A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” {Tweet that.} I’m convinced that a well-lived Christian life will involve risk; otherwise, faith would not be necessary. It’s no mistake that “do not be afraid” and its derivatives is the Bible’s most repeated statement. In fact, Jesus says it almost three times more than anything else. He knew we’ll never know the fun — nor view — that awaits us if we don’t have the willingness to grab that first branch. Today, he's saying to you, "What are you waiting for?"

Are you new here? Thanks for stopping by! You're reading Part III of a four part prayer. To read week one, click here. To read week two, click here. And be sure to come back next week for the conclusion! Thank you for reading — and praying — with me!

A Prayer to Grow Stronger, Part II: Trunk

While some conceive God’s favorite answer is no, I’ve discovered it’s a resounding yes! God not only says yes to our life, but desires us to have an abundant one. Some of the richest biblical images for God involve life and growth. Perhaps my favorite is when Jesus describes himself as the vine, and we are the branches; we simply cannot flourish apart from him (John 15:5). As I seek to grow at God’s direction, as I look to deepen connections to my Source, I offer you this prayer that revolves around the different parts of a tree. Relevant stories illustrate each part. My hope is that we will flourish in our life and service by praying it. For last week's reflection on roots and the importance of a strong foundation, click here.

Trunk

Lord, may my life demonstrate the splendor of a mighty oak for your glory. Enable me to be patient as you grow me. Keep my eyes, ears, and spirit attentive to your full purpose for my life.

When I was in high school, I went on a mission trip to do flood relief in Idaho. I remember staring at the mountains on a cold night with a star-filled sky. My favorite pair of jeans and a warm sweatshirt did little to comfort me. Talking with my youth pastor, I was overwhelmed with the need I saw in the world. Our group was making a difference; I wanted to keep doing that in real time and not be relegated to the sidelines with years of schooling ahead.
          My youth pastor had an interesting response. While I expected him to mimic my frustration and encourage an alternative plan, he talked about trees instead. He contrasted two kinds of trees: a sapling and an oak. A sapling, he said, is quick to shoot up. While it’s presence is known right away, it’s fragile and tender. It has limited resources to contribute in the moment with only a thin trunk. A mature oak, however, is slow growing. Its towering height is a testament to the roots, branches, and leaves it has produced one at a time. There are many uses for its substantial trunk, indicating that its maturation time was well spent.

          My youth pastor’s trunk imagery encouraged me to think strategically about my ministry from a long-term perspective for the first time. Having now served in churches and as a hospital chaplain, I continue to reflect upon its truth. I’m grateful that I indeed pursued my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While training and preparation can take a variety of forms dependent upon our respective callings, it inevitably opens doors. Whenever I’m tempted to feel impatient, I remind myself that the work of the kingdom of God often hinges upon slow, quiet growth. {Tweet that.} In the end, the thicker our trunk, the more facets we can serve, and the richer our canopies.

Next week's reflection on branches will concern risk-taking. Stay tuned for Part III of the prayer!

I'm Preaching THIS Sunday!

A quick note to local friends:

Find out how everyday rocks can inspire you through tough times by faith. Bonus: This service will be recorded by Hometowne TV for the first time! Come to Central Presbyterian Church's auditorium at 5 pm this Sunday, 11/5. The church is located in Summit, NJ. The sermon is part of a nature series at Central's contemporary WAVE service.

I'd love to see you there!