Clergy from left, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired; Pastor Nicolé Ferry, Assistant Rector Lynn Finnegan and Pastor Deb Church. Courtesy photo
By DEB CHURCH
Pastor
White Rock Presbyterian Church
Given the nearness of Thanksgiving Day, I recently googled “attitude of gratitude.”
It took 0.45 seconds for over 42 million websites to appear.
In less than half a second, I had access to the advantages of cultivating an attitude of gratitude, tips for developing an attitude of gratitude, celebrities who exhibit an attitude of gratitude, and – for those who are so inclined – scientifically proven benefits of an attitude of gratitude. Google was singing the praises of thanksgiving!
And it’s not just the interweb that extols giving thanks. Our scriptures do as well. We’re told to “give thanks to the Lord, for [God] is good…” (Psalm 107:1) We’re urged, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything…with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…” (Philippians 4:6) And we’re encouraged to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, [and] give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
The consensus seems to be that having an “attitude of gratitude” is something to which we should all aspire. And it seems a particular expectation at this time of year.
But what if we just can’t give thanks? What if, in these moments, if we’re truly honest, giving thanks is beyond our capabilities, beyond the capacity of our spirits?
Because the reality is that sometimes, the chaos – whether within or without – threatens to pull us under. Sometimes, the struggle seems greater than our strength to bear it. Sometimes, despair seems to completely obliterate hope.
At those times, adopting an attitude of gratitude can feel unthinkable and absurd. At those times, it can seem nearly impossible to give thanks.
I’ve been there. I’ve felt those things. I’ve said, “Nope. Can’t do it. I got no thanks to give.”
And then I’ve remembered some other words from scripture, from the prophet Isaiah:
“Do not fear, for I [God] have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you…. Do not fear, for I am with you….”
And I remember that God is with us.
God is with us in our struggles, not taking them away but walking with us.
God is with us in the chaos, not taking it away but whispering words of comfort and courage.
God is with us in despair, not taking it away but holding space for hope.
God is with us, regardless of our ability to give thanks.
God is with us, independent of our capacity to give thanks
God is with us, whether or not we have it in us to give thanks.
God is with us. Period.
And for that I can give thanks.
Amen.
And Happy Thanksgiving!
Editor’s note: ‘All Shall Be Well’ is a semi-monthly column written by local women clergy (pastors and deacons) including, ELCA Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div., retired (czoebidd@gmail.com); Nicolé Ferry, Pastor, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (pastornicole@bethluth.com); Lynn Finnegan, Assistant Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe (rev.lynn@holyfaithchurchsf.org) and Deb Church, Pastor, White Rock Presbyterian Church (pastor@wrpchurch.com).
