Overflowing in Thanks
"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." ~ 2 Corinthians 9:11-12
Overflowing in Thanks to God
This fall, we have been sharing the above passage with volunteer groups, and I have been struck by just how relevant these verses are to my day-to-day life. The months of October and November tend to be dominated by one thing for me: Thanksgiving Baskets! This year, we provided over 80 baskets to families and seniors in our neighborhood, and I spend weeks in preparation for this event. I speak with families, shop (and shop and shop some more!), fundraise, coordinate volunteers, schedule deliveries, and try to keep a bit of my sanity.
Despite the hectic feel, it's always been one of my favorite days of the year. It's one of those blatantly clear moments where my gifts and talents collide with supplying the needs of the Lord's people. The result? I can't help but to be overwhelmed with thanksgiving to God. Even though on the surface providing food baskets may look like a "me helping you" type of event, I have been blessed in return year after year. This year, as I delivered the last basket of the day to a neighborhood friend, I was blessed with a full Dominican dinner. Thanks be to God!
There are so many things to be thankful for in my ministry. I've come to appreciate the roles and opportunities God has put before me more and more - from my administrative duties which frees others up to do what they are gifted at, to being an advocate for community change by working with resident leaders and elected officials, to just hanging out (or having dance parties!) with youth on our front porch. My life is overflowing with joy and thanksgiving that comes from a life of service. Thank you for helping make this ministry possible.
