On this day after a national holiday focused on giving thanks (remember it’s not just about eating) I find it appropriate to reflect on gratitude. Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary defines gratitude as a “state of being grateful”. Gratitude is more than just an attitude, or a few moments spent once a year counting our blessings. It is a state of being – a way of living.

 I’m working on eliminating a word from my vocabulary, and it’s really hard. No, not a word of the 4-letter variety or a slang word that the youth remind me is years out of date. The word I’m trying not to use (at least in my "church life") is “volunteer.” It’s a word I’ve used a lot in the past, but I’ve decided it’s time to break the habit.

Not long ago, I was driving a familiar route when suddenly a stand of birch trees along the road caught my eye. The white bark contrasted with the surrounding autumnal browns, creating a striking scene. It occurred to me that although I’d driven by those trees many times, I had never really looked at them. The words of Psalm 19 came to mind, “The heavens are telling the glory of God…”