We are beginning what is usually my most challenging time of year.  The very cold dark days of deep winter.  I spend months preparing myself for the darkness, bitter cold, and gloomy skies we are blessed with in Western NY.  I try very hard to keep my chin up, after all I preach find joy, have hope, lean on God for patience… and then I wake to another gray day.

But this year is different.  This year I am approaching everything with a positive, healthy attitude.  I really cannot understand why my attitude about the world around me depends on how I am feeling.  But I decided last July to grow young, thanks to Weight Watchers and dedicated walking.  I made the transformation mostly to keep up with my two-year-old grandson.  I actually can’t wait to get up every morning now, despite what it is doing outside.  I look forward to getting to church to see who I’ll meet for the day.

I’ve been thinking, what if we all were so thankful to God for our lives, families, and circumstances, that we found joy in each and every moment, despite anything about us.  This would take complete trust in God, and a dedication to work on our faith.  I want to urge us towards, contentment in the very small things, which will then open us towards the incredible things that God has created all around us.

This is the time to give thanks for another incredible year that lies ahead.  May you find blessings in the “little” things.  May you grow incredibly in your faith, and may you leave the world a little more joyful because you are in it.

Blessings,

Pastor Beth