IN EVERY SITUATION

It is tempting to shrug off this piece of advice,

Dusty as it is after 2,000 years.

"Rejoice always," the writer says and I

Tend to dismiss what has been said as Disney talk.

Surely the author has lived a pampered life,

Divorced from the struggles of life in this world.

If he knew about life what you and I know,

He would not be so out of touch with reality.

"Don't be anxious about anything," he says,

And I smile again. "With thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Sometimes the grumble in me is stronger than the thanksgiving,

Yet grumble corrodes and thanksgiving in us has a way of lifting, healing, freeing.

The writer, chained in some dark prison, held inside four walls,

Knew the miracle of thanksgiving even when he was rubbed raw by hurt.

I notice and give thanks for the cold air, the lights on a tree, the hand holding mine,

The whispers of a God who refuses to be silent despite my inattention.

I give thanks for love along the way, for mentors whose way of speaking and loving shapes me the way water shapes rocks.

For the glory of voices singing together, for cookies out of the oven, for the way my Grandpa squeezed my knee, for Patsy Cline and Puccini and the morning paper.

I give thanks for the stars above my head early in the morning,

And the sun playing hide and seek at the end of the day over rooftops and trees.

I give thanks for discoveries made along the way, for partners in work,

And the grace of those who allow me to be their preacher and friend and pastor.

I give thanks for love at home and sons who are good men,

For young women who recklessly married into the family and have gifted us all.

I give thanks for grace that finds me, overwhelming judgment voices,

A carpenter's child and the mystery of an empty tomb that says "love wins."

Rejoice always? I do not. I do not rejoice always and the grumble finds a voice,

But I am overwhelmed, awed, joyed, by the miracle of it all...and You.

Sometimes I misplace thanksgiving, but right now, this afternoon,

I know the notes and the words of this "in all things" song.

-Mark Fenstermacher
Lead Pastor