I have a little sticker I put on my note paper from time to time. It reads simply: “The first and last task of a leader is to say thanks.” I don’t know where I came across this statement (except that I am sure it is not original to me!). I think it was Meister Eckhart (a greater Christian theologian and spiritual leader of the late 13th and early 14th centuries) who wrote: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”
It is that time of year again; a time when we pause to give thanks. Rather than cynically disparaging the encroaching holidays (originally known as “holy days”!), I come to this time with a deep sense of thanks. Gratitude flows through me, and I invite the reader to join in.
I want to thank first, foremost and always the Great God who comes to us and for us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In that thanksgiving, I offer a special gratitude for being reassigned to the Central Texas Conference as your bishop for the 2012-2016 quadrennium. David Stinson, Conference Treasurer, reports that wonderful 5 figure amount of money was given to Imagine No Malaria by various churches and individuals in honor of our return. Such generosity is a joy to my heart and give thanks to God for the blessing of the people and churches of the Central Texas Conference. Through our efforts, with so many others, a killer disease is being defeated. Lives are being saved.
Jolynn and I thank both God and you! May your Thanksgiving truly be a Holy Day!