Dear Friends
I have been reflecting in recent days with thanksgiving in my heart for all that God has done in the Missionaries of God’s Love. I find thanksgiving lifts my thoughts, emotions and spirit.
I remember visiting an old man in Juninga nursing home in Darwin. He was going blind and could not walk. Whenever I visited to take him Holy Communion his face would light up and he would he say, “I was just praying you would come.” He would be so gracious and welcoming. It always lifted my spirit to see the genuine joy and gratitude in spite of his own pain and suffering. Thanksgiving has an impact on those around us.
Scientific research over many years reveals that our brains and bodies are designed to thrive on gratitude. Some studies have found that practicing gratitude, like daily contemplating the love of God in creation and the world around us, can increase people’s wellbeing.
In the Psalms there many songs of thanksgiving for the goodness of God. The Psalmist said, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1). It is very challenging amidst grief, loss and suffering to be thankful. But even in grief, thanksgiving for a loved one can rise in our minds and hearts. We can be surprised by an experience of deep love even in the midst of loss. Jesus gave thanks in deep sorrow and grief, mourning the loss of his close friend but thanked the Father in advance for raising Lazarus.
In the scriptures when the disciples returned from mission with stories about healing and preaching in the name of Jesus, he raised his eyes to Heaven thanking God for working through the childlike who were humble and open in contrast to the wise and smart of the time.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Be filled with the Spirit . . . always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:18).
Thanksgiving is closely connected with joy, hope and peace. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). When we remember the saving love of God in our lives it revives our drooping spirit and gives us a confidence to face present difficulties and look to the future with hope. The prayer of thanksgiving is a participation in the Holy Spirit’s movement reminding us to be grateful for all God has given directly or through his creation all around us, and restores peace and trust.
“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:15-17).
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