Gratitude

Twentieth century author and inspirational speaker, William Arthur Ward, once wrote, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."  His words speak to that unfortunate human failing of good intentions unrealized.  Most likely you have had that experience of thinking to yourself you need to pause and write a note, pick up the phone, send an email, or visit a friend or neighbor to say thank you for something he or she has done.  We are all debtors to the people around us whose actions truly make a difference in our lives.

 

This Sunday, I hope you will take a moment to express appreciation in two different ways.  First, stop by the narthex between 9 and 9:45 to say thank you to Holly Bryant for serving the past three years as Director of Preschool and Children's Ministries at Westwood.  This reception is just one way of expressing gratitude for her faithful work.  We will also continue to receive a love offering for Holly this Sunday and you can contribute by using one of the special love offering envelopes in the pew racks or at the welcome center.  Take advantage of these opportunities to express your appreciation to Holly. Second, if you haven't done so already, pack a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child or bring items from a list at samaritanspurse.org to share with our FundaySchool children who will be packing boxes this Sunday morning.  Giving these small gifts to children in far away places in the name of Christ is an expression of gratitude to God not to be missed!

 

During this season of gratitude, take every opportunity to say thank you.  The blessing will not only be for the one you thank, but also for yourself as you help make a difference in someone else's life.

 

Jim Abernathy