Dear Friends,

Joni Mitchell, a favorite songwriter and singer of mine from my teenage years, had popular song “Big Yellow Taxi” and the refrain goes “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone…”        There is such truth in that verse.

Too often we take for granted those things that are part of our lives in every aspect each day. Even if we’ve been faithful in showing appreciation, once that person, place or even “thing” is gone, we wish that we could have been more appreciative or thankful. 

I know I feel that way about my parents. Even though we had a good relationship when they were alive, and I know I did what I could to reciprocate the best I was able for all they did for me ,  I still miss them and wish I had the opportunity to say “thank you” to them one more time .  

Perhaps this year, with the reminder of the upcoming thanksgiving holiday, we all can step back, reflect and in appreciation and thanksgiving. We have been blessed in so many ways.  We need to take the time to say, as well as in our actions, because there may not be another opportunity to do so.

As another year goes by for me I become more thankful for the amazing grace of God in  my life. I also treasure the relationships in my family for they are long standing, and don’t realt come around each day.

I am also very appreciative for  all the thoughtful things you all have done for myself and my family.  I also want you to know how much I appreciate all of you who in ways “open”, and ways “quiet”  to make ministry happen here at St. Stephen.

How about you? Does gratitude and appreciation  front and center in your life?

 Again, consider Joni Mitchell’s words

“Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone…”     

In gratitude, your brother in Christ,

John

SUNDAY SERMON TITLES AND THEMES FOR THOUGHT