As I write, it is early December. I'm newly returned to the church after a leave of absence and I've just spent a Sunday playing seasonal games with our children and then having lunch with our youth. I missed them dearly; it is great to be back.
As Christmas approaches, I am intentionally focusing on gratitude. I first learned how important the expression of gratitude is to me after I lost my mom several years ago, as I struggled to find meaning in the midst of my grief. I took up a practice of listing things that I am grateful for every day (yes, there's an app for that!) – everything from sunshine and sparkling snowflakes to playing cards with friends or a delicious meal.
Sometimes I'd be mindful of my gratitude in the moment, and other times I'd really have to think to come up with something at the end of the day. The value of this practice, to my mind, comes not so much in the actual counting of my blessings (although I trust there's value there). For me it's the summoning up, or creation of positive energy in my heart and spirit during times that are challenging as much as during times when that comes naturally.
I'll admit that my practice waned after a few years, but I returned to it this fall after remembering how transforming it can be. Here are some things I feel grateful for, now:
- All the loving wishes I received from you folks as I began my leave, and the warm embrace I felt when I returned
- Hearing about the highlights of youth group this year (there were many!)
- The youth allies here (Margo, Jim, Christine, Alex, Danielle), and through the Western Region, who supported those events
- Incredibly supportive colleagues, near and far
- Time to focus on things that need attention and care
- Lisa Naylor and Margo Lane, the RE Committee members who oversaw four levels of OWL and their facilitators, and Youth Group programming, advisors and travel, respectively, in my absence
- Singing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with our children, each of us wearing red noses and making up our own, um, unique moves
- This beloved multigenerational faith community
May the coming year bring you moments of quiet reflections, joyful laughter, wonder, love, and even a few tears – and gratitude for all that is our life.
Peace,
Andrea
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