Thanksgiving Pause

Dad cut off the end of his finger last week. He was working on cabinets for our kitchen, wearing gloves to beat the cold, when the end of the glove brushed the router bit, pulling his hand into it. If you know what router bits are, then you’ll know that it shreds wood; they don’t cut thin grooves (kerfs) in wood like a saw blade does.

Strangely enough, it didn’t hurt him too badly, but he’s got to be careful with it to avoid infection. This means that when he gets here this afternoon I get a promotion in the remodeling project–I’ll be responsible for a lot more that he won’t be able to do. Thanksgiving week, Advent starting, my NaNoWriMo novel to finish, and the kitchen remodel. All to say, blogging has suddenly moved off the list for the next week or two and the novel may not be finished either. I’ve got a day or two of vacation I’ll be using, but that doesn’t help the meetings, classes, appointments and sermons I have to keep.

But I’m really looking forward to all this. Why not? Idle hands and whatnot, and it’s much more fun to give thanks and embrace the chaos than it is to dread and loathe and get stewed-up about it.

I have my family I adore. My bride, who means the world to me. I have parents who are still active and generous and supporting. I have a job that is fulfilling, that changes people’s lives and gives hope to others. I have members who support me. I am healthy enough to juggle 1000 things. I have a hobby I enjoy.

Everything can change in a moment. It’s likely, even. Tragedies can strike us, health can vanish, jobs can end, injustices can strike.

As we learn from Job, though, the key, the grace (for it is only gift) is to give thanks even in the midst of disaster and disease and what would cause despair. That is the way of Christ. That is the way of true joy. To repeat myself: it is a grace that has to be received. We cannot manufacture or work for a thankful heart. We can pray and seek it. We can cultivate and practice it. But the Lord is Lord of the harvest.

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all of you.

I’ll be posting again in a week or so, God willing.

Possibly Related posts:

1. The Busyness Boast
2. Thanksgiving For Everything
3. Thank You
4. The Move
5. Must Read for LCMS Folks

Monday, November 23rd, 2009 | Tags: faith, family, pastor's life, vocation, writing | Category: Personal, Theology | One comment