When it comes to spelling out “Generosity” with our lives, the “G” is definitely gratitude. It’s easy to feel gratitude to God in this season of Epiphany, when we celebrate in worship all the ways God has shown God’s love to us, especially through Jesus Christ. But also in these quieter post-Christmas days, we can think back with gratitude for the relationships and events of the past year and the lessons we have learned along the way.

Gratitude is not as much a feeling as an intentional stance towards life. It shows up in all kinds of self-giving in our Foothills family, from teaching children, youth and adults to being present to one another in supportive personal relationships, from strengthening the life of our surrounding community to deepening worship and small-group life. What a great way to start the New Year, filled with gratitude!

Dear God, may our lives reflect our gratitude for Your amazing love. Amen.

Your partner in ministry,
Betsy Schwarzentraub

Written 1/2013 for Foothills UMC, Rescue, CA