Clean Glasses (11/21/2023)

Last week, the glass tumblers I’d ordered arrived in the middle of what I would call a “cluster” week. I was trying to bake over 30 dozen cookies, prepare to teach two faith classes, and arrange for Wednesday Sundaes for the youth. I unpacked the tumblers, but I found they all had labels on their bottoms that needed to be soaked off. And I simply didn’t have the time to do that then. So, they were sitting on my island for “later.” Then, when I got home Saturday afternoon after making wreaths with my daughters and granddaughters, I discovered them all washed and drying on the dish mat. Reason #14 I’m sure I’m married to the greatest guy on earth.

While I was away, my husband realized my hope of cleaning the glasses but also my lack of time that week. And so, he used his time and energy to soak the labels off and wash the glasses, so they were ready to use. He does stuff like that you know: notice what I’m up to and up against, and quietly lends his hands and gives his time to help me get where I’m trying to go. He did it again yesterday when I wanted to drop off cookies downtown; he drove so I could just run in, drop off the cookies, and come right back out.

He reminds me, through his example, that we can make big differences through little things done for others with love. He and his behavior inflate my hope. Ken is a man of few words who leaves his mark by what he does and how he lives. I am blessed. Indeed, the LORD does look after fools and short Irish women; Ken is a blessing in tennis shoes.

This week I give thanks for so many things for which I should be grateful: family, friends, kindnesses, life itself, the beauty of creation, the companionship of others. But this week, I also seek to give back in thanksgiving to others. Christ calls us to both – to be people of deep and sincere gratitude and also people of service to others.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends this week, let us take time to truly give thanks to the LORD for the goodness within our lives, the love that touches and shapes us from our LORD and others. And let us seek anew ways to share that love through service to others.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.