As October is nearing its end and November is quickly approaching, I have always looked forward to November not just because I look forward to the Thanksgiving meal and time spent with family. Not just because it is one month closer to celebrating the birth of Christ and again spending time with family. But for me November really is a time to focus on being thankful for all that God has done for me throughout the year. I give thanks for family and friends. I give thanks for all of God’s glory that I have recognized in and around my life. I give thanks for God’s presence with me in the hard times. And, I give thanks that I have grown in my relationship with God and others just a little bit more than the last thanksgiving, or at least I hope so.

As I approach November 2020, the weight of the year has been a lot to bear, and to me it just feels different. I am of course thankful for all those things mentioned above, but I also carry the concern of wandering through the wilderness of this pandemic and the heightened injustices of this time. Paired with the very polarized, and divisive state of the election of President of the United States. I have to admit that I don’t feel very thankful. So what do I do? That is the question that I have been asking myself, what do I do?

I pray; first recognizing who God is. I pray; lifting up those concerns that weigh heavy on my heart & soul. I pray; giving thanks for what I can. And I pray; with hope of a better tomorrow, that things will get better and that love will conqueror all. Then, I pray so more. I invite you to pray with me. I also encourage you to join me in finding something to be thankful for in every day of November. Surely, we can find something to be thankful for amidst everything else going on. Join me in focusing

on thankfulness. loving God heart, mind, soul, and strength

pastor latonya