Thanksgiving. It is about the little things and also about the big things.
I went outside to look at the sunflowers living their final days in the garden today and look what I found.
Just look at the detail! Look at the pattern of seeds and rows of seeds that spiral out from the middle. Look at the withering yellow petals brightening as they prepare to let go. As we said on Welcome Back Sunday. This sunflower is fearfully (awesomely) and wonderfully made. Thanksgiving is a time to pay attention to the details, the little things that give rise to a sense of awe and wonder.
And then there are the big things. As I sit down to write this message, I am preoccupied by the unfolding events in Gaza and Israel. My heart is in my throat as I wait to see if the bombardment has actually stopped in a durable way and relief is on its way. It is hard to find the words for the devastation and frustration that this day has been so slow in coming. That said, I am thankful, grateful that relief is on the way, suffering may just turn to healing, songs will be heard again.
To borrow a quote from Diana Butler Bass, “when we live from gratitude, we become aware of the gifts of others — and our interdependence with them.” Thanksgiving is a time to behold how woven together the world and the human family is. When one is diminished in Gaza or anywhere else in this beautiful world, we are all diminished. And when there is a glimmer of light at the end of this long tunnel, we all perch on the edge of hope together. When the sunflower can’t help but show its splendor to the world, our hearts are lifted in awe and praise.
May gratitude fill your heart this weekend, and may the awe of the sunflowers lift you up.
Blessings, Will