Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Like you, I will spend it doing my traditional Thanksgiving festivities. I’ll wake-up and bemoan the fact there is nothing on television except for the parade. I’ll consistently ask Abbi what time is dinner and what we are having. At some point, I’ll plop down on the couch for a good nap and watch the games.
At some point, though, I hope to spend a few moments giving thanks to God for the blessings in my life. Scripture reminds us how we are to praise God for the Lord’s wonderful name and actions, which calls us to give thanks for the ways we have seen God at work in our lives.
So, what am I thankful for this year?
I’m thankful for my family, especially Abbi and No, for they have been a constant source of support and strength. I would not be who I am without their love and especially Noah’s laughter and craziness. They take things that can come up in ministry with grace and love, which means a lot to me.
I’m thankful for the experiences that I’ve had this year. I traveled to Israel, spoke to potential new clergy about my call to ministry, was ordained, and moved to a new community. Each of these experiences have helped me to see something new about God’s love and have helped me to appreciate more what it means to be a pastor and follower of God.
I’m thankful for my new faith community and church at Ogden Memorial. They have welcomed my family, allowed me to make first-year mistakes, and have been gracious as I try to navigate learning about the church. They are a special group of people whom I love and respect.
Those are just some of the things that I am thankful for this year. What about you? What are you thankful for as we celebrate Thanksgiving?
Shannon Blosser 