Hello all,I have been attending some Harvest Services in the local schools recently, and of course we have had our own Harvest services in church. Over the last week I have sung "Autumn Days" three times, and this includes the lines:
"So I mustn't forget, no, I mustn't forget
To say a great big thank you,
I mustn't forget."
It's such a simple thing but it means so much - if it's sincere! It means making an effort to look away from ourselves, to notice what other people are doing, often for us, and to thank them genuinely. It's appreciating what's around us and what other people are and do, and it lifts up our gaze from ourselves and our problems. I get cross when other people fail to acknowledge other people's kindness or generosity. I can get through the day without even noticing that it's been sunny and beautiful. And I didn't notice the cherry tree in our garden flower last spring. I was immersed in my own world and thoughts.
Genuine thankfulness costs very little and makes us better people. Thankfulness to God is at the heart of our Christian faith: reminding ourselves that we have a wonderful, generous God, and looking for all the things He is doing. In fact remembering and thanking often go together, as Pope Francis said recently in the US. Remembering and being thankful are what Remembrance Sunday is about and they are what Holy Communion is about.
Best wishes to you,
Chris
