ini Message

Another thanksgiving season is upon us and at present we are all enjoying this extended summer weather that has blessed our fall. As we enjoy warm days it seems like an odd contrast to the wilder hurricane season that has been hitting the southern United States. But then life is full of contrasts in all areas of our awareness. The contrast in people, who love us and those who don't like us; the contrast of the rich and the poor nations; the contrast between those who are enjoying good health and those who are suffering in the area of their health; the contrast between our own good days and bad days. Then there is also the contrasts that we look forward to, like the contrasts of the fall colours that will soon be gracing the woodlands and parks.

Spiritually it is important to embrace the contrasts of life and to learn to see the flow and unity of life in the midst of all the contrasts. If we focus on the extremes, the contrasts, too much we loose sight of the more important stuff that is often in the middle of it all. Thanks giving is one of the most important seasons of the church year and in the end, the only one that will extend on into all eternity. Can we be truly thankful in the midst of the contrasts of our lives? The final feast of our lives should always be one of thanksgiving. Being thankful for the fullness of life with all its many contrasts. Being thankful for the many blessings, the help, the strength, the love, the beauty, the grace of God that has allowed us to see our days, be they long or short, upon the earth. Being thankful for the grace of God that has likely helped us through the down days, the hard times, the impossible situations, those that tear at the very fabric of our hearts and sanity. Just as there are wild storms, so there are beautiful sunrises. To learn to be content in each is a gift from God that helps us to be truly spiritually thankful. Count your blessings. Count the number of times you have been knocked back and been able to recover. Count the many times that some unexpected help has come your way. Count on the times that the love ofGod for you has been revealed to you and you will be thankful. God appreciates it when we give him our thanks and praise. It is one thing we can do to show our joy and appreciation for life, with all its contrasts. Don't forget to do it (One day, you will be very thankful that you did.)

Rev. Tijs, at St. Giles Presbyterian Church.