This autumn, I’ve had these delightful moments with my young daughter who will suddenly call for my attention as we’re out and about, and point out whatever has captured her – flowers, leaves, dogs. She’ll say, “Oh, it’s such a beautiful day, isn’t it? Look at all the colors around us!” When she does this, I quietly smile, soaking in what she sees and secretly enjoying our likeness.
But recently, in one of those moments, I wasn’t able to receive her invitation to wonder – to stop and notice. My mind was tangled in a dozen responsibilities, and though she was tugging at my sleeve, my thoughts were elsewhere. It reminded me how easily wonder can slip away when life feels full and fast.
We often think of gratitude as something we simply decide to feel, but perhaps, one way that gratitude begins is with wonder. Wonder happens when we slow down long enough to actually notice the good that’s been in front of us all along. If wonder opens our eyes, then gratitude opens our hearts.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving: Is there enough pause in your life to let wonder rise and stir up thanks? My prayer for you this week is that God would open a quiet moment – maybe brief, maybe unexpected – where your heart can wonder, notice, and give thanks – to the people in your life and to the Giver of every good and perfect gift.
With gratitude,
Jamie
Monday, November 24 at 7 pm
The Gratitude Way: An Evening with Girma Bishaw
Last call to register! In a world often marked by division, resentment, and unrest, what if the most radical and restorative response is…gratitude? Join us in welcoming author Girma Bishaw, who will share insights from his journey, from life as an Ethiopian refugee to becoming a voice for gratitude as a catalyst for personal and social renewal. This event is free. Sign up here.
Upcoming
- Nov 24 | The Gratitude Way: An Evening with Girma Bishaw
- Nov 30 | Advent Begins
- Dec 2 | #GivingTuesday
- Dec 3 | Sing, Play, Speak
- Dec 4 | Grief & Loss Support
- Dec 6 | Birthday Party for Jesus
- Dec 12 | W83 Opening Reception | “Place We Find Ourselves”
- Dec 12 | 20s & 30s Christmas Party
- Dec 12 | Volunteer for His Toy Store
- Dec 14 | Lessons & Carols
- Dec 14 | Spiritual Practices Workshop: Community
- Dec 17 | Family Night
- Mar 7 | Premarital Seminar
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HFNY: Support Hope For New York’s Christmas outreach to provide toys to families in need this Christmas season. They are raising $90,000 to provide toys to 40 stores across the five boroughs!
