A Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Dee Pederson

 

1    For the fruit of all creation,

       thanks be to God.

       For these gifts to ev’ry nation,

       thanks be to God.

       For the plowing, sowing, reaping,

       silent growth while we are sleeping,

       future needs in earth’s safekeeping,

       thanks be to God.

 

2    In the just reward of labor,

       God’s will is done.

       In the help we give our neighbor,

       God’s will is done.

       In our worldwide task of caring

       for the hungry and despairing,

       in the harvests we are sharing,

       God’s will is done.

 

3    For the harvests of the Spirit,

       thanks be to God.

       For the good we all inherit,

       thanks be to God.

       For the wonders that astound us,

       for the truths that still confound us,

       most of all, that love has found us,

       thanks be to God.

 

This beautiful hymn is often sung during Thanksgiving worship. Its powerful text helps me remember that giving thanks to God is not simply about me and what I hold in my hands; it is about gratefulness to God for those who have gone before us, those around us now, and those who will come after us in the future. Not only this, but it expands our awareness to remember those near and far who are blessed by our sharing and by the labors and generosity of others. However you spend this day of giving thanks, may you also pray as we do each week, Thy will be done on earth as in heaven. And wherever you observe this day of “thanks-giving” to God, may you be blessed by the confidence that in Jesus Christ, God’s love has found you and embraces this whole beloved world and all of creation. Thanks be to God! 

 

+ Giving thanks to God for you,

Bp. Dee Pederson