Last night, a small group joined in Sandburg Hall for our monthly potluck before Vespers. It was a joyful gathering with delicious food and hearty conversation. One of the joys of ministry is creating space for community building and spiritual deepening during a shared meal followed by a time of reflection and ritual. This month, when we are invited to acknowledge and mourn the falsities that ground the Thanksgiving holiday story, we are also invited to reflect on what we are grateful for. One of my many gratitudes is for the opportunity to minister to our UU Avl community. As you consider what you are grateful for, I invite you to reflect on this quote from Dietrich Bonhoffer shared during last night’s Vespers gathering.
“In normal life one is often not at all aware that we always receive infinitely more than we give, and that gratitude is what enriches life. One easily overestimates the importance of one’s own acts and deeds, compared with what we become only through other people.”
Let us reflect on the people and communities who have shaped our becoming.
May we be grateful.
Steve and I will be attending our UU Avl Thanksgiving meal. I look forward to being with those who are able to attend.
In faith & solidarity,
Rev. Claudia Jiménez