I’ve been trying to catch up on all of the administrative and management tasks I have to do as a Senior Pastor of a mid-to-large size congregation.  One of those tasks has been writing the annual Stewardship letter to the congregation.  This year’s theme is GRATITUDE.  We’ve planned a series of speakers from the congregation to talk about Gratitude, Faith, and Giving, and how those things connect in their own lives. 

So first thing Monday morning I open up WORD to start writing, when I notice the red light on the phone.  It’s our wonderful Church Administrator, Deanna, she’s sick and won’t be in.  STRIKE ONE against an attitude of gratitude!

Refocus on Colossians 3: 15b-17 – “And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  A HIT for gratitude!

Oops, forgot to check email.  Two items stick out:  (1)  CV committees need to get their 2011 budget requests in, and (2) “new organizational design” at the ELCA, also known as staff cuts, 65 people to lose their jobs.  STRIKE TWO against an attitude of gratitude! 

After answering all of the emails, time to meet a council member for lunch to talk over church stuff.  Good lunch, great conversation!  Talking things out gives one a better perspective.  Another HIT for gratitude!

Back to church.  Gotta get that letter done!  The phone starts ringing with issues, items, questions, “feedback” for one thing and another, as well as leaving messages for people.  “Fires” to put out.  Trying to find time and make time to meet with people in need for listening, pastoral care, and prayer.  Schedules are tight, everyone is overly busy, including me, and the needs are so great.  But I’ve got to get that letter on grattitude for stewardship done!  Oh no, THANKLESSNESS gets a DOUBLE against GRATITUDE!

That’s how it goes in the life of faith, fluxuating between an attitude of GRATITUDE and an attitude of INGRATITUDE.  How easy to lose sight of our blessings.  How quickly we are brought down low by all of the negative things and the realities of the “glass is half empty and still leaking.”  But then…

A reminder of gratitude.  In preparing to share stories from the mission trip to Tanzania, I needed to take a look at a video interview with Kelvin Nzilano, one of the first students sponsored by a family from Christus Victor.  Kelvin not only graduated from Moshi University, he is now a lecturer in Economics and Cooperative Management at Moshi University!  In the midst of my own messes, I had forgotten that Kelvin rode the bus for over 12 hours to come to personally say “Asante sana/THANK YOU” to the members of Christus Victor, who have not only supported him in his education, but have helped to transform and bless his life, and the lives of his family, church, and those he teaches.  “I thank God every day for you people in Minnesota!” he said.  The next morning he got back on the bus for the 12 hour dusty, bumpy ride to get back to work.  Now that’s a HOME RUN for GRATITUDE! 

YES, GRATITUDE AMIDST THE MESS!!!  ASANTE SANA YESU/THANK YOU, LORD JESUS!