Thanksgivings!

It's Thanksgiving evening, stomachs are full and the visions of sales looms in our heads.   In fact, my daughter and I are heading to a mall that opens at midnight tonight.   This is the Thanksgiving Holiday afterall.

Last Sunday, in my blessing to the congregation I serve, I said, "we are blessed to be a faith community where Thanksgiving is not a holiday but a daily act we are called to do because of God's abundant blessings in our lives."  I am even thinking that next year, maybe every fourth thursday of the month is when we do a thanksgiving meal for someone.  That would be one way our community can say thank you.

Why is it that this time  of the year  folks come out of the woodwork to help with community events to help the homeless, poor, etcs.  Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for their care and compassion.  But there are 52 weeks in the year where people are living on the edge or in a pit looking for help.   An example.  San Leandro has a homeless program that every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday the homeless are offerred showers at a local organization.  Volunteers are needed these Sundays to help prepare food, give out clothing and information and generally someone to talk to.   There are a core of individuals that come every one of these Sundays and could use help. Perhaps the marketing might be, "in the spirit of thanksgiving of your blessings, come help the homeless."  I am praying that those who can find time during the Holidays, can also find a certain weekend to work with the homeless throughout the year.

I am thankful for God's blessings that I see in my family, friends and faith community. Thanks Be to God!
AMEN