11-28-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 28, 2024
“You couldn’t help but notice how her life was dripping with gratitude.” Those words were shared by a minister more than two decades ago at a funeral I attended. The funeral was for a relative of one of my church members, and I was asked if I would come to be supportive. I was so captivated by the line that I went to my car after the service and jotted it down. Gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins, is the sin of excessive consumption, leading to selfishness and wastefulness in resource allocation. With that in mind, I don’t think it’s possible to be excessively grateful. Oh sure, there are those who exude a false, syrupy sweet thankfulness that often leaves one feeling sticky and gross, and in need of a shower. But I have met many people who perceive the world through a lens that enables them to experience an abundance of joy, beauty, love, kindness, and hope. Some might think of these optimistic people as naive, encouraging them to be a bit more skeptical about life. But through that optimistic awareness, life appears to tip in the direction of the positive. Their lives are so full of experienced blessings that the abundance spills forth on those around them. Personally, I try to be open and available whenever I am close to such people so that I don’t miss out on the copious thankfulness that never runs dry. 

We echo the Psalms that praise you, O Lord, as the Source of all wondrous and plentiful gifts. As you pour forth upon this world, we pray for the capacity to receive our fill of your generosity that knows no limits. In time, may our lives be so full that our gratitude splashes forth upon those around us. Amen.