From the Interim Executive….

From the Interim Executive,

Years ago, I read an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution which wondered what was missing from Thanksgiving.  The author, whose name I wish I could remember, looked around her table and noted that there was plenty of turkey, sweet potatoes, corn casserole (and assorted other carbs); there was a beautiful centerpiece; and there were even proclamations of gratitude.  Yet, she said, something was definitely missing.

An indirect object.

She dutifully explained that the indirect object is the person to whom or for whom something is happening.  In this case, the indirect object is the person to whom her family was giving thanks.  Or rather, the Person!  She bemoaned that in the midst of all of the celebration, she and her family weren’t focusing on the One who had given them all of these gifts.

I love this not just as a former English nerd, but as a theologian.  “Give thanks to the Lord,” our Psalmist enjoins us.  “Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces,” Matthew tells us.  Ephesians (“always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”) and Colossians (“and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”) join in the chorus.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for so many things.  I’m thankful for a family reunion from which I am writing this letter; for your ministry to your communities; for the presbytery and Synod staffs; for churches of every size, context, and calling; for the ministries offered by the Synod detailed in this newsletter.

And I’m thankful to God our light who is the source of every good and perfect gift.