Give Thanks!
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
Have you ever sat in a room and soaked in the moment and realized how incredibly blessed you are? Like truly allowed yourself to be present and name the things around you that you have to be grateful for. Then smiled when those “things” are people you get to be connected to? Too often life presents distractions that keep us from appreciating those we are in close proximity to. Beyond that we miss out on the opportunity to let them know just how thankful we are.
Yesterday, we took time to intentionally learn more about loss and grief - Dr. Dan Green spent the day with our team and I’m so thankful for his wisdom and practical reminders.
My prayer is simple - Father, may we focus on describing the pain and not judging what our thoughts or feelings are in relation to the pain. You have given us the incredible honor of meeting people in their mess. Our mess alongside of theirs at times can feel overwhelming - help us to always point people back to you, Love well, remain present and remind one other of our value and worth alongside where all meaning comes from, from you. Lord, in the midst of all of that may we take time to be thankful - gratitude is good for our soul.
Amen - Ash
P.s. I’m honored to be in a room full of people who care deeply, love endlessly and remind one another of truth relentlessly. Life doesn’t happen at Hope Street without a committed team of people - I’m thankful Hannah (Banana), Brian (Coop), Brooke (Bop - she will be mad about this later) and Thomas choose to show up each day. They may not see on this side of Heaven the impact it makes, but I trust some day they will. So if you see them or think of it - shoot them a message to say “thank you” they are stewarding your gifts well in supporting the broken men, women and children who call Hope Street home.
Not pictured, but present, and I am no less thankful for... is my dear friend Dawn, who sacrificially gives of her time, talent and treasure to love on and be loved by our community. Then there is Rach... the friend you can count on to listen, speak up and a list of other things but with it provide a safe place to be and a table with delicious food.
