Daily Worship

Gratitude

Norah Summers November 24, 2015 0 0

John 15:12-13

My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you.
The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them.

The same verses again – 
I need to see them in another light.

Yesterday I was angry.
How ironic that war makes me angry!

My remembering was full of frustration and questioning.

Today it is full of gratitude
for people who serve their communities
in ways which often endanger their own lives,

Loving God,
I remember
and give thanks today 
for lifeboat crews,
mountain rescue teams,
fire-fighters.

I remember and give thanks today
for fishermen,
and all in peril on the sea.

I remember and give thanks today
for nurses and doctors 
fighting Ebola and other deadly diseases.

It is a special kind of person 
who risks life and limb for a stranger,
for no cause but love of humanity.

I remember those who are in need of rescue, 
in trouble because of their own thoughtlessness or risk-taking,
or because of circumstances beyond their control.

It is a special kind of burden
to be beholden to someone else for your life,
and mere gratitude never seems enough.

And if that is on the human scale -
how shall we ever thank you, our God?
for the gift of life,
and the gift of Jesus,
who came to give us abundant life, 
eternal life –

if we will but receive it.