Grateful to God

on October 18, 2010 by Walt Dilg

Grateful to God

The holiday season began a little early for me this year.  On October 10th, I had the joy of officiating at the wedding of my cousin's son.  The occasion drew the Dilg extended family together, with people driving and flying in from different parts of the country to share in the  joy and promise of that day.  It was a great gathering.

As I gaze on the faces animated in conversation or pensive in thought, I couldn't help but see the reflections of those who had come before us, had moved on to life eternal, and had left their imprint upon this new generation.  I was given over to the sentimental thought of these grandparents and parents dancing above our heads, sharing in the joy, offering their advice, comforting where needed - bursting with love as they blessed us, their progeny, on our way.

I guess I'm a silly romantic when it comes to family and holidays.  Yet that's the truth, and I carry that sentimentality with me as I serve among your families here in La Jolla, and as I seek to help you find your place in the larger family of God.  Ministry and congregational life is like that, and I thank God for it.  How marvelous it is that the Spirit can affect relationships so that acquaintances in the church become loved ones in our hearts.  It is as if the "crowd of witnesses" from generations past hover above us and speed us on our way as new extended families are knitted together among us - the wonder of the family of faith continuing on to new generations.

I'll be approaching Thanksgiving with feelings of deep gratitude to God for this, for what is possible through the church.  My heart overflows that so many of you have taken me into your hearts, that I have found in your lives sustenance for mine, that together we have cobbled together a home and an extended family.  This is a deep blessing for me and a blessing possible to all who give themselves over to the promise of the faith through the church.

Our harvest and nativity festivities are nearing.  As we connect with family here and there this season, be sure to save time and energy to gather with your extended family at church.  We are important to one another.  Together we touch and heal lives, make things better, maintain traditions, nurture and launch new generations.  Come home for the holidays at your church, with your faith family to share your gratitude to God and for your affection for one another.  It may sound overly sentimental, but what can I say?  These things of the heart and soul, these things that change and strengthen lives... well, they're just like that.

Pastor Walt