Thanksgiving

To live is Christ, and to die is gain.

The apostle Paul didn’t count his losses.  But that doesn’t mean he didn’t recognize them. 

We notice our losses.  We count our gains. 

I read something written by Michele Cushatt in I Am that caused me to reflect on the following. This Thanksgiving week we empathize with all of you who have lost something important—whether it be the loss of your home in a fire, the unexpected loss of income, the surprise diagnosis and loss of health, or the loss of a loved one. 

And we do count our gains.  We thank God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15).  We thank God for the churches and individuals who have our back, and who do unexpected things to show their love and support.   Sometimes it’s a letter of encouragement.  Sometimes it’s a birthday gift for our kids.  Sometimes it’s an offering towards a project.  This year we are also grateful for our wonderful apartment at a reduced rate (thank you Doreen). Lastly, the faithful monthly and prayer support are always gains.

We found these cards at our front door in Mexico.  They are “thank you” greetings from Newport Mesa Church in Costa Mesa.   This holiday season, these cards are one reminder that Emmanuel is with us; present in the losses, and a never-ending reminder of what we have gained. 

So thank you to all of you who do all those things that remind us of gains.  It is because of what Emmanuel has done and what you do that we too can remind others. 

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Paul and Sandy