I have recently revisited the spiritual discipline of beginning the day reflecting on three things for which I am thankful. I try to think of three different things each day that cause me to ponder a wider scope of gratitude and then write them in my journal. It has been a positive and hopeful way to begin the day. This simple practice was suggested to us at the All-Church Retreat in 2008 by Reverend Gordon Peerman as a practice of spiritual mindfulness.

During these weeks of November we will continue to reflect on the themes of our discipleship program: Gathering, Growing, Serving, and Transforming. On November 22 we will join in a service of thanksgiving and celebrate all that we are thankful for in the context of our community of faith. On the back of our pledge cards is a space to write what we are celebrating when we make a pledge—our gratitude is the catalyst for our giving. What are you celebrating at Belmont?  I suspect there is not enough room on the back of our pledge cards for all that we celebrate together, but I would like to invite you to join me in the spiritual practice of writing down three things each day.

This morning I wrote that I am thankful for the new Belmont Arts Council under the leadership of Jerry Park. The council’s first major project is an art gallery in the hallway outside our administrative offices. On the wall are the beautiful creations of Belmont UMC artists. Every time I walk down the hall I see something new in a photograph, a painting, or a quilt pattern.

I am thankful for the leadership of Bill Cooper and his many enthusiastic volunteers who are guiding us in the Stewardship Campaign: Celebrating as a Community of Christ Followers. Their work during these weeks will have a lasting impact on the life of our church.

I am thankful for our staff. Belmont is blessed with a compassionate, gifted, and positive staff who serves from a deep sense of calling and ministry. They work together as a team, help one another, and give their best to the work of our church. Be sure and let them know how much you appreciate all they do.

Those are my three things for this day. What are you celebrating as a member of the Belmont community of faith?

< Prev