Devotion From Pastor Kathryn: October 29, 2020

Gratitude
A week ago, at our Tuesday evening Bible Study, we were lamenting how we are all feeling a bit discouraged recently with what’s been going on in our lives: 

• The division in our country
• The cry for justice from people of color
• Air quality in our towns
• Electricity warnings for possible shut offs
• Children and youth doing online learning 
• Concerns about COVID, and 
• Questions regarding our church having in–person worship. 

We all agreed that it is a time when God’s people are anxious, and yearn for 
the gift of HOPE. 

Then one woman in our group said these simple words of wisdom: “When I wake up each morning, before I even get out of my bed, I give thanks to God for 4 things. They may or may not be the same 4 things I listed the day before.”
    
So I’ve been doing that, and it has “jump started” my day! I believe that gratitude is like a door which opens to HOPE & JOY! 

Here is what I thanked God for this morning: 

1. The beautiful, crisp, slightly cool fall morning! 
2. The hike I went on with Sofia, my black lab, on Monday morning. 
3. The privilege of working with our fine, committed, faithful staff members of Elim: Erin, Lauren, Barb & Richard. 
4. The opportunity to serve at Elim as your Interim Pastor.  

May God empower you with gratitude for all of God’s gifts for you, and may you be given the grace to receive hope and joy! 

See you in worship, 
Pastor Kathryn