Day 36. Being Thankful for God’s Eternal Love

(Tuesday)

Level 1: (5 Minutes) As you breathe deeply today, focus on five blessings.

Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to highlight words or passages that speak to you.

Adapted from Psalm 138. I give You thanks with all my heart; I sing praises to You before the gods, I bow down …and give thanks to Your name for Your loving kindness and Your truth; You have magnified Your promise according to all who call upon Your name. On the day I called, You answered me. You made me bold with strength in my soul…though I walk in the midst of trouble, You revive me. You stretch forth Your hand to save me. You accomplish what concerns me because Your love lasts forever. I claim this promise in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down at least five things for which you are thankful.

Level 4: (30-60 minutes) The picture in this post is honoring two of my most supportive parishioners--Lee and Len Holmberg. Lee went to her eternal rest this past year, however her perpetual light will shine in my heart as long as I live. Lee and Len love the Lord and Trinity United Methodist Church, in McLean, VA, and it is people like them who have supported those of us in ministry with quiet strength, to whom I want to say--thank you. The list is long, but I wanted to highlight this team and thank them in memory of Lee.

Today went by too quickly. The week before Easter is one of my favorite times; it is when I usually like to take an inventory of the year. However, this week I am (unexpectedly) preparing for Easter as an interim pastor at Peterborough United Methodist Church. I am filled with appreciation. First, I love the United Methodist Church and the support I am receiving from my colleagues in Ministry. Second, I went with my husband to pray throughout the church for everyone who will attend services on Thursday night and/or Sunday Morning. Third, I had phone calls and visits from people in this beloved community who have told me how much they appreciate what has been happening in our study. Forth, a good friend invited me to shop for Easter flowers. Finally, my sister shared good news. So when I read, “I bow down . . . and give thanks to Your name for Your loving kindness and Your truth,” I am deeply touched by all the ways this surprising opportunity has evolved. It is an honor to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. One of my favorite Psalms is 27.13 “I shall see the goodness of God in the land of the living.” I definitely have seen God’s goodness in many places this week. How about you?