A time to give thanks

by Rey Lambatin, Choir Director
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President-elect, Joe Biden, quoted part of this in his victory speech on Saturday night, November 7:

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

As much as I’m tempted to talk more about politics, I want to dwell more about this season, the time to give thanks. As we know, it is Thanksgiving month, a season when we remind ourselves of the beautiful and wonderful things that fill our lives, and to be grateful for these things. So, I’m sharing with you some of the things for which I’m thankful. I give thanks for my husband, Mike, who is always a source of love and joy, and a big support in all I do. I’m grateful for my family, friends, and the CGS church members whom I consider as an extended family. I’m thankful that I live in a state and community where the weather is awesome, and that I can be gay and a person of color and feel safe. I give thanks for technology that, despite the circumstances, we can continue to worship, minister, and practice our faith. I give thanks for the gift of music, and the beautiful things it brings to my life. I’m thankful for my health and the health of my loved ones. I’m grateful for having Baxter, our beagle companion, who fills our house with constant amusement. I am very thankful that we’re going to have a new president and vice president. And I give thanks that I serve a God who is good and faithful.
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My list can go on, and I encourage everyone to also make their own. I believe it’s a great way to be reminded of the positive things in our lives that we sometimes miss because of, well, life happening. We had times when things are not great and are challenging, but for this season, let’s think of the beautiful and wonderful things that we have. Happy Thanksgiving!
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