Greetings;
As I sat down to write this column I recalled the many wonderful
moments of this year. One of the greatest moments of the entire
year for me is when I walked outside and unmistakably felt
and breathed in the cool refreshing, invigorating air of fall.
It is this time my energy abounds. If you are like me, you
may find that the more you awaken to the beauty of God's spirit
expressed within everything and every season. You can feel
God's presence in the crisp air of fall, The kiss of a gentle
breeze, the warmth of the sun in summer. The fragrances of
the earth after a spring rain. The cleansing of the first falling
snow of winter. It is through these we may discover a deeper
awareness of our oneness with God and an awareness of our Unity
with all creation. On a very basic level, each plant, animal
and human being is connected to one another, and each is nurtured
by God.
It is during this transition from summer to fall we begin
to think on the celebrations of the next two months.
November contains the day of Thanksgiving, a day we share
our love and abundance with family and friends. A day of
gratitude for the realization that there is no part of our
world where God cannot be found. God is our constant source
of everything we need to live a happy, fulfilling life.
It has also been a year of many challenges for our world,
We have experienced the negative power of nature, bringing
new awareness of the kind and the not-so-kind sides of human
nature. It is here we stop and remind ourselves of God's
presence in all. It is here we realize everytime we manage
to replace even one negative thought with a positive one,
we are making an important advance in spiritual growth. A
step toward a heart that is filled with divine love and expresses
this love as kindness, consideration, and tolerance toward
everyone. I recall In the Bible the account of Jacob and
his wrestling with the angel of the Lord who had come to
test his courage and endurance. Even until the break of day,
never once giving up in defeat, Jacob continued to meet his
adversary, determined to receive a blessing from the experience.
To the angel, who challenged his poise and confidence and
ability, he said, I will
not let you go unless you bless me (Gen. 32:26).
And as reward to Jacob for such vision and faith, for seeing
in the struggle not injustice or cause for despair, but opportunity
for the receiving of some good, the angel said to him, You
shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel (Gen. 32:28).
That means, the one who strives with God.
Yes, We have certainly had adversity in our world giving
us the opportunity to practice one of the most important
truths we know. We have a power within us, the transforming
power of God that is mightier than any circumstance. We celebrate
this season of thankfulness for the many blessings of our lives
and for the presence of God that guides us all through our
challenges.
I invite you all to join us here at Unity Church of Sachse
on November 20, as we break bread in gratitude and celebrate
Thanksgiving in prayer and worship to God, through whose
presence we become aware of the good possibilities that
life holds for us.
You are a beloved child of God, lift your head high and
let the spirit of God within you soar to new heights, as
your voice gives thanks for your happiness, well-being,
and abundant supply.
We are renewed in mind, body, and spirit as we pray for
one another and the world.
Blessings,
Rev. Paulette
