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Do you feel we have reached a point in life where each week seems to bring its own share of stress and uncertainty? For some, that might even feel like an understatement.

  • Looking at the upcoming holidays, some families experience too much togetherness throughout the year; while others wonder how they will bring in all of their family and have all of their schedules be “just right” to have everyone sit in the same room again and enjoy each other’s company.
  • There are young people who are tired of learning from a computer and even college-aged students yearning to have a close mentor.
  • Medical professionals are tired
  • We are sick, or afraid of the risk of getting sick
  • We are learning to navigate the demands and fears of life while still pursuing the joy and fulfillment we truly desire.

We are living through unusual and trying times. People are feeling stressed. That is why it is perhaps more important than ever to focus on gratitude – the practice of noticing and being thankful for what is valuable and meaningful to you. It is good for your mental and physical health; it can help you relax and its effects can help you stay well.

Giving thanks is one of the oldest concepts in society, with practices at the core of most wisdom traditions and religions.

  • In Judaism, sacrificial thanksgiving offerings are found in the first chapters of the Torah, and blessings are recited numerous times daily, including before and after meals.
  • In Christianity, the Eucharist means “thanksgiving” with bread and wine serving as symbols of gratitude.
  • The holiday of Thanksgiving that we celebrate this month is centered on gratitude.

Robert Emmons, psychologist and world expert on gratitude, defines gratitude as recognizing goodness in our lives (which we might take for granted), frequently due to actions of another person. When grateful, we identify and appreciate the intention and effort involved in the actions on our behalf and the benefits generated.

We each express gratitude toward others in different ways. We could offer a handshake, a pat on the back, or a hug when socially appropriate, in addition to more common direct verbal or written forms of communication. There are different means of expressing appreciation: a shout out in a Zoom meeting, a thumbs up or heart emoji, a retweet, a daily or weekly email to your friends inclusive of wins and achievements, or monthly awards for a star colleague who went above and beyond their duties and/or care. Research demonstrates that these small gestures can result in tremendous impact on well-being.

While we can impact others by expressing gratitude directly, we can greatly enhance our own well-being by articulating gratitude in written or spoken form, even to ourselves, which allows us to focus in the moment on what we appreciate and brings us joy, happiness, or satisfaction. During moments of separation or brokenness or mental exhaustion, a grateful perspective is critical to sustain our positive attitude—to energize, to heal, and to bring hope. 

We can also express gratitude by focusing on silver linings; counting our blessings; and stop to smell the roses. These are not just cliches; they are activities that research shows will enhance your quality of life. The health benefits of practicing gratitude are wide-ranging – and maybe even a bit surprising.

Rather than watching the national news or discussing headlines in the local paper, what if we all took time to be grateful for what we have here in our homes and our church? What if we paused to appreciate the opportunities we have been granted to re-establish old traditions and spend more time together within the little circles we live in?

In the past few years, jigsaw puzzles, bikes, free weights, and board games have sold out of stores as people have taken time to work on personal goals, create together, and explore together. Here at Riverside Church, we have gathered together for food and fellowship – we even try new CHILI recipes at our Chili Cook-off – all fun examples of finding joy in our days!

We are no longer too busy to color with children, paint, and mail birthday cards or handwritten notes to friends and family. Some of us enjoy exploring new hobbies and talents, while others call friends on the phone instead of texting. 

According to Harvard Health Publishing, gratitude is thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge that goodness in their lives. In the process, we usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside them. As a result, gratitude also helps us connect to something larger than ourselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

Now I need to make a bit of a confession. I started this sermon on gratitude early in the week. And then I let it sit for four days because it seemed inauthentic. I did not want to preach about thanksgiving or gratitude at all. I am tired of the news and what it has done to our nation. I am angry that it has been so polarizing.

Perhaps you are with me… you are having a difficult time focusing on gratitude because of grief or circumstance or heartache.

In our traditional word for today, the apostle Paul writes to the church at Philippi from prison. He has been in prison for some time and the church has sent gifts for him. Paul thanks the church for their gifts, but his letter is more concerned with pointing out to them how to distinguish between the things that truly matter from those that do not. His imprisonment - serious as it is - belongs to the lesser concerns, he writes, because he is joyful! The larger and most important issue, he contends, is that he is grateful for the growing numbers of people coming to faith!

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.“                Phil. 4:12-13 

Instead of focusing on negativity, perhaps we all need to take time to be grateful for what we have right in front of us. Deepak Chopra says that shifting perspective is the way to address the drastic life changes, or as he puts it – “every adversity is an opportunity in disguise”. He points out that the current state of the world has had a positive effect on many environmental issues and we have opportunities to connect with ourselves and others in ways we had not considered. “I hope that we move collectively in the direction where we don’t see communication as a curse, but as an opportunity to reverse the anger and create a world with more peace, social and economic justice, healthier and happier, and joyful people.”

We are in a season of gratitude and Thanksgiving.  We are also in the middle of our Stewardship Drive.  It seems to me that stewardship is the result of our gratitude.  When we are grateful, we offer our gifts.  Much like Paul expressed, Christ strengthens us to face our lives and we are richly blessed! 

I would challenge you in the weeks into Thanksgiving to SEE, SAY, and SAVOR.

  • See something good around you each day!
  • Say something of gratitude each day aloud to someone!
  • Savor the reasons you have to be grateful! 

Tonight at dinner as you discuss the events of the day, challenge each person at the table to share one aspect of the day he or she is grateful for. Then let them know how much you appreciate them. You will be surprised how much there is to be grateful for. 

 

Resources Used:

Fishman, Michael M.D. “The Silver Linings Journal: Gratitude During a Pandemic”. June 19, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lane, Cady. “Why Do We Take Existence for Granted?” Deepak Chopra on Finding Gratitude During the Coronavirus Pandemic”. May 15, 2020. Time.com

Parod, Holly. “Finding Gratitude Amidst a Pandemic”.
September  9, 2020. Youthfirstinc.org