(From our January newsletter)
While I was at my father’s 85th birthday celebration in Minnesota the weekend of December 16th, snow came down to cover the Upper Valley. I received piecemeal reports of what was happening here and what wasn’t. Lots of decisions regarding church and the children’s play and everything else; lots of conversation at the Men’s Breakfast and the kids’ rehearsal; and a message that church WOULD be held, but that people should use their best judgment regarding travel on Sunday.

But Michael reported the blessings along with the headaches: the folks who made it for worship (and a dozen or so even made it to the 2008 Budget meeting BEFORE church!) greeted one another heartily, the music flowed, and the fellowship hour was lively.

That afternoon, the traditional Senior Class Christmas Mystery was held at Rollins Chapel, despite the snow, and Michael reported how unexpectedly sweet and lovely it was (our son Seth was a shepherd). We missed the event, but saw striking photographs of Heidi Erickson as Mary riding a donkey into Bethlehem (aka Norwich) in that town’s traditional pageant held the day before. And when Michael and Seth arrived home after the Christmas Mystery, some anonymous person had plowed out our long driveway!

Michael described the broad swath of gratitude he felt as he drove easily in — broader because this kindness was (and has remained) anonymous. It could have been anyone, at least anyone with a plow.

The broad swath of gratitude that overcame him is a sign of “God with us.” Gratitude recognizes the undeserved nature of grace. Even when we know and are grateful for particular people doing particular things–and there are many such at Our Savior–we also give thanks for the sign of God’s presence with us that they reveal to those who have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. May it be so for us all!

Grace abounding!

Pastor Susan