Be The One 11/20/22

Remember to Give Thanks, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro, VT, November 20, 2022  Luke 17:11 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”  Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”  Ten lepers were healed, but only one came back to give thanks.  It takes energy and work to live in gratitude. We have to consciously direct our focus to it.  Look for the blessings of your day and life. That awareness will take the edge off of negative emotions and bring a measure of God’s peace. But that takes work.  Write down 5 good moments from yesterday. Not – “I am grateful for my spouse,” that is ritualistic and “pat.” Rather – “I am grateful that my spouse ironed my shirt, or brought me a coffee, or raked the leaves, or opened the door for me.” Be specific. Look for the moment. It prepares us to see such moments in the day ahead.  Our days are filled with such moments.  We just have to have eyes to see.  Pastor Jon Heydenreich presides assisted by Marsha Heydenreich, joined by Lynne Stone as reader, and Laura Josephs on piano.  No matter who you are in your walk of faith, or where you are in that journey, you are invited to the communion table at Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation, more or less traditional and relaxed, and a Reconciling in Christ congregation where all are welcome.