Dear Caldwell,
As many of us either pack up to visit family or make preparations to receive family, I thought you might enjoy two ‘alternative’ glimpses of Thanksgiving.
Yesterday, the families of the Bilingual Preschool gathered in the Fellowship Hall for a pre-Thanksgiving party and ‘feast’ of sandwiches and cups of milk. The children were as polite and nicely dressed as always. It was interesting to speak with several families and ask what they made of this unique American holiday. As immigrants, Thanksgiving is new to them, of course. Several said they were still learning the full story of its origins but were enjoying learning the history and adopting the traditions. Before the feast, I was asked to offer a prayer. I asked God to give all Americans hearts as generous as God’s that we all might enjoy the bounty of this nation.
Today, I received a card in the mail. I didn’t recognize the address in another state. “Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, …” the note began. It was from Nancy, who stayed in the Salvation Army Shelter at Caldwell briefly after it first opened. On the first night in Bible study, she told us she had received a job as a housekeeper at a motel where she could stay. It was in the same town where her son lived and she was so happy. Travelers Aid would help with a bus ticket. Caldwell helped a bit and we sent her on her way. In the note that came to the church today, she wrote:
“I have come to settle in my new home/job, and it’s the little things that we take for granted that are so appreciated when you do not have them. I am so privileged to have a bed, my own private bathroom, the ability to go shopping, watch TV, order a Pizza! Although I was with you only a short time, I miss you all so very much! I shall always treasure my time with you at Caldwell and you shall always be in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all, Nancy.”
These two stories are glimpses of the Kingdom of God, the kingdom established by the infant child we now begin to await (come to service Sunday for more on that topic). Not that we should boast or puff out our chest. All of this is God’s doing. Let us all be thankful that we have the chance to God’s agents in this place.
Don’t forget tonight’s Mecklenburg Ministries Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at 7 pm at St. Paul’s Baptist, tomorrow night’s ECF Service at 7 at St. Martin Episcopal or Thursday night’s Thanksgiving meal with our shelter guests here in the Fellowship Hall at 7.
To you and yours, Happy Thanksgiving.
John