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When I think of November I think of Thanksgiving * not just the turkey and stuffing (and the early evening turkey sandwiches with homemade bread - Yum!), but all of the things for which I'm thankful. I am thankful for so many things: my parents and grandparents * especially my Grandma Burkley who showed me what a life of devotion to Christ was all about; Susan, who has touched and molded and blessed my life more than anyone else; my children (amazing that they are no longer children!); my body (not in the best of shape, but I like it); my talents and gifts (thank you, God!); my call to the pastoral ministry, especially to Rockwell Falls Presbyterian Church, and so many more things. I'm blessed when I think of even a portion of them.
I'm thankful for so many things. Is there anything that they all have in common? Yes, they are all things that I've been given; they are all things (and relationships) that God is working out his grace in my life. James writes, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (Ja 1:17, NIV). I know that all that I have is from God's gift of love for me. Jesus said in Luke 12:32, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." What assurance!
And yet, I so often am afraid. Why? It's hard to say, mostly because the reasons seem to change like "shifting shadows" and with as much power behind them. There are the fears of failing in my callings; the worries about imagined talk or snickers behind my back; the fears that people might not like me if the "really knew" who I was, and similar mole-hill-sized fears turned mountainous. Have you ever felt like that?
And yet (I like that phrase), I know that all of my fears are nothing compared to the amazing grace of God in my life and in the life of every believer. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31) Do I need to fear anything? No way! Paul writes that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us (Eph 1:18ff). Death and all of its works has lost its sting. "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15:55ff). In November I remember to give thanks and to set aside my fears and be bold for God. I know that we all can do amazing, grace-filled things for God because God is doing amazing, grace filled-things in us all. Let's intentionally walk in that light, be thankful for God's work in us, and work our calling out together, for "We are God's workmanship, created in Chrsit Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph 2:10). It's all by God's grace, and that's something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Season!
Thanks be to God!

Michael