From the Pulpit: Thankfulness refocuses my perspective

The leaves have fallen. The colors have changed. The temperature has dropped. We see these physical changes of the season around us but there also seems to be a spiritual reality to what is taking place in our world. The economy, the political climate, and the conflicts and wars taking place around the world are creating a change in colors and temperature. 

Something I always appreciate about November is that it refocuses my perspective as we go into the season of Thanksgiving. In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Giving thanks and seeing things from God’s perspective often warms things up for me and reminds me that the seasons of life often bring something new.

There is a quote attributed to Alphonse Karr that has been helpful to me. I learned a variation of it that pops into my mind often when I’m trying to be thankful but struggling with my circumstances. “Some people complain that God put thorns among roses, but others thank God for putting roses among thorns.”

A shift of perspective. Looking from a different angle. Taking a third-person perspective and looking at things from above rather than in the middle of it all can often reorient our interpretation so that we can choose thankfulness. This is why hope is such an important part of the Christian faith. Hope shifts our perspective from “me” to “God”. 

Hope reminds us that we can be thankful now for what is to come. The something new that is coming allows us to be thankful in the present. Take a deep breath with me this season and remember the promise we receive in Revelation 21:4-5. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”