The four seasons of the year are tangible reminders that change exists. When change comes, we are faced with a choice: to accept the newness and uncertainty that lies ahead or to cling desperately to what came before. In the likeness of nature and time, we shed layers like trees do leaves and, as we gradually fall into new grooves, we ask ourselves, will we be resentful of the change that has shaped us, or grateful for it?

When stretching or challenging moments come our way, what does it look like to appreciate the season we are in? Oftentimes it can be tempting to grumble at the unexpected shifts; we’ve gotten comfortable with the way our life has been going and don’t welcome a disruption. We imagine it's safer to remain the way we are instead of facing the possibility of something different, but in truth, life with God always promises something new. “Behold,” Isaiah 43:19 says, “ I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” If we know that God has good plans for us, and we know these plans are designed to help us thrive no matter the change that may come as a result, then we can continuously and confidently expect a future that warrants, not worry but, joy. When we stop resisting change, we are able to experience the awe-inspiring plans God is inviting us into. Suddenly, life’s ever-evolving moments mean that much more to us. We no longer need greet them with cold shoulders, but with warm and open arms. As Ephesians 4:22-24 says, we are to put off the “old man” and put on the “new man” as we walk this life in faith.

How can we find this new self? One way the “new man” is embraced is through gratitude which leads to generosity. What once looked like living for our own interests transforms into a life lived for God and for one another. This time of year presents us with ample opportunity to lean into gratitude. Good food and good company make for great memories. Treasured traditions and festive greetings move us to embrace the season ahead of us while giving thanks for what has come before.

And when we feel thankful, generosity becomes second nature. We bake goods for one another, purchase heartfelt presents, and arrange warm gatherings and get-togethers, all in the spirit of gratitude. 2 Corinthians 9:11 assures us that we have everything we need to give and be grateful. "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God." In this marvelous light, our cups runneth over as we extend gifts to our loved ones, sing songs together, and share meals. Whatever the case, as change illuminates throughout the seasons, new opportunities to give and be grateful joyfully come to the surface. We are blessed to bless others, and when we realize everything we have is a gift from God, we are more keen to give it away freely and with a happy heart. We begin to inhale blessings and exhale ‘thank you’s.

Suddenly, the abrupt winds of change become vibrant invitations to seize new opportunities in a life so well equipped with surprises. In shades of fall, Thanksgiving signifies a time of giving thanks for all of life’s greatest treasures—having a family, a place to call home, laughs to share, and a chance to break bread with one another. There is a special fragrance that fills this air with its own kind of change—the kind of change that brings people close together. In this time of holiday bliss and making memories, may we reminisce on how to be grateful for life’s great many changes and the blessing of being able to give in any season. Amen.

The four seasons of the year are tangible reminders that change exists. When change comes, we are faced with a choice: to accept the newness and uncertainty that lies ahead or to cling desperately to what came before. In the likeness of nature and time, we shed layers like trees do leaves and, as we gradually fall into new grooves, we ask ourselves, will we be resentful of the change that has shaped us, or grateful for it?

When stretching or challenging moments come our way, what does it look like to appreciate the season we are in? Oftentimes it can be tempting to grumble at the unexpected shifts; we’ve gotten comfortable with the way our life has been going and don’t welcome a disruption. We imagine it's safer to remain the way we are instead of facing the possibility of something different, but in truth, life with God always promises something new. “Behold,” Isaiah 43:19 says, “ I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” If we know that God has good plans for us, and we know these plans are designed to help us thrive no matter the change that may come as a result, then we can continuously and confidently expect a future that warrants, not worry but, joy. When we stop resisting change, we are able to experience the awe-inspiring plans God is inviting us into. Suddenly, life’s ever-evolving moments mean that much more to us. We no longer need greet them with cold shoulders, but with warm and open arms. As Ephesians 4:22-24 says, we are to put off the “old man” and put on the “new man” as we walk this life in faith.

How can we find this new self? One way the “new man” is embraced is through gratitude which leads to generosity. What once looked like living for our own interests transforms into a life lived for God and for one another. This time of year presents us with ample opportunity to lean into gratitude. Good food and good company make for great memories. Treasured traditions and festive greetings move us to embrace the season ahead of us while giving thanks for what has come before.

And when we feel thankful, generosity becomes second nature. We bake goods for one another, purchase heartfelt presents, and arrange warm gatherings and get-togethers, all in the spirit of gratitude. 2 Corinthians 9:11 assures us that we have everything we need to give and be grateful. "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God." In this marvelous light, our cups runneth over as we extend gifts to our loved ones, sing songs together, and share meals. Whatever the case, as change illuminates throughout the seasons, new opportunities to give and be grateful joyfully come to the surface. We are blessed to bless others, and when we realize everything we have is a gift from God, we are more keen to give it away freely and with a happy heart. We begin to inhale blessings and exhale ‘thank you’s.

Suddenly, the abrupt winds of change become vibrant invitations to seize new opportunities in a life so well equipped with surprises. In shades of fall, Thanksgiving signifies a time of giving thanks for all of life’s greatest treasures—having a family, a place to call home, laughs to share, and a chance to break bread with one another. There is a special fragrance that fills this air with its own kind of change—the kind of change that brings people close together. In this time of holiday bliss and making memories, may we reminisce on how to be grateful for life’s great many changes and the blessing of being able to give in any season. Amen.