Gratitude and Gathering

The Thanksgiving holiday is much more than a date on a calendar; it’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and reflect on the many good things in our lives. This year, whether we’re gathered around a bustling table or find ourselves in much quieter company, it’s a time for gratitude—a time to notice the blessings we might otherwise overlook. We give thanks for health, shelter, and, most of all, for the people—family, friends, and neighbors—who bring meaning to our lives.

But the holiday also requires some honesty: family gatherings aren’t always easy. Sometimes, the tables we find ourselves are filled with more than just food; old disagreements or misunderstandings often resurface. The holiday can stir up memories—some joyful, some painful. Differences in beliefs, politics, or life choices can lead to awkward conversations or even conflict. If you’ve ever found yourself dreading a family dinner, you’re not alone.

This is where God can step in with some wisdom—and a little grace—to help us. Family isn’t always about who we’re related to by genetics. Many of us, including myself, have found deep, abiding love and support in people who we choose to surround ourselves with—our chosen family. These are the friends, mentors, and fellow people of faith who walk with us through life’s ups and downs. Sometimes, they are the ones who show us the unconditional acceptance we long for.

Open the Bible and you’ll find countless reminders that love is at the heart of family. David and Jonathan formed a bond of friendship that was steadfast and legendary. Jesus called the disciples not just followers, but friends. God is always at work knitting us together in community that isn’t bound by genetic connections, but through acts of love, kindness, patience, and forgiveness.

The Thanksgiving holiday is also a reminder of the power of prayer and how it serves as a tool for nurturing both gratitude and connection. Whenever and wherever you pray, prayer opens our hearts to God and allows for healing. In those sacred moments, we're reminded we're never alone. God is always present, and we’re part of something bigger—a family not shaped by heritage, but by love.

If you’re facing a difficult Thanksgiving holiday this year, please know that it’s okay to lean on your chosen family. These are the people God has brought into your life to lift you up, to listen when you need to talk, and to love you just as you are. They are a true gift from God and are a reminder that family can be found and made.

I encourage us all to find time for quiet reflection this season. Take notice who shows up and brings warmth and encouragement into our lives and give thanks for them. As you reflect and give thanksgiving,  you’ll find a deeper peace and unity that will carry you through the holidays and beyond.

This Thanksgiving, I pray that we all experience a day of joy, gratitude, and the comfort of belonging. Whether you’re at the Thanksgiving table surrounded by biological family or those you’ve chosen, may God’s love continue to be what binds you together in hope and thankfulness. And may all our hearts be open to the many ways family can be formed, supported, and celebrated.

In the heart of Jesus, Pastor Eric+