“And here you are!”

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances.”

           –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a

Seven months ago, I worshiped in the North Carolina congregation where I had served as pastor for nearly eleven years.  I made passing mention of that experience in a blog post on April 27.  There was another moment from that morning, though, I did not share then that offered a clear reminder of the creative and relentless ways of God. 

It had been more than two decades since I had last worshiped there. During my tenure, the congregation built the sanctuary where everyone gathered in April. Thus, at several points that morning, my mind turned to memories of the construction process. Wood from a tree on site, for instance, had been planed, cured, and then used to build the pulpit. I recalled with gratitude, too, how the architect had invited me to see the new communion table before it was finished. My visit avoided an enduring typo as I saw a template of words to be carved on the front. It read “Do This in Rememberance of Me.”  I was so thankful we caught that spelling error in time!

Clearly, the best part of the service, though, was re-connecting with special people from our past. I saw one long-time member whose adult son had died since we were last together and countless individuals who had served alongside me in significant ways. I spoke with a man younger than I who, after a massive stroke, now uses a wheelchair, and teenagers from the 1990s who are now grown-up and parents themselves. Face after face. Memory after memory.   

After speaking with a number of members, I spotted a couple waiting to see me. I’m guessing they are in their late 40s and as I walked over the woman asked “Do you remember me?” “You do look familiar,” I replied, “but I’m sorry that I can’t come up with your name.” She quickly shared it and then continued “We stopped coming here after you left, but our daughter brought us back today. You know how that can be,” she added with a smile. It was Youth Sunday in the congregation and their child was one of the worship leaders.

The woman then concluded “Just this week we talked about you and here you are!” In our mutual sense of amazement she didn’t promise to keep coming back to the church, but said they would try. Yet as we turned to leave, her husband hugged me and said, “I love you.”

Today marks the start to a week that often involves a time of giving thanks. Perhaps you are traveling a great distance to gather around the table with loved ones or are hosting others who do not have any family nearby. It could be the first year since the death of one who changed your life or the moment you introduce a significant other to your friend network. Our relationships are in a constant state of flux as work and retirement, health challenges and graduations often bring an end to one chapter and the start of another.  The need for thanksgiving, however, endures.    

As the constant theme behind our life’s journey and this blog is the mysterious ways of God, providing us with just what we need in a form and moment we least expect it. I hope the coming days give you only the latest glimpse of that divine work. And along with your body being nourished, your spirit will be, too. 

Source of every blessing, I thank you for those relationships from the past and present that have shaped and blessed me. In this season of thanksgiving, help me to celebrate those ties and to remain open to the creative ways you are at work still.  Amen.