Ray Dadswell: Appreciation

You send a birthday card to a relative ...

You step back on the pavement to let an elderly pedestrian pass ...

“Thank you.” Not always! It seems that simple expressions of gratitude are becoming a thing of the past.

You forward some information to a friend by email ...

You transfer some money through the bank to your favourite charity ...

I try to convince myself than non-response is not contempt, but it is difficult on occasions to think that way.

Little things, petty maybe, but could it be a sign that we are also rather slow these days in voicing our thanks to God for our daily blessings?

This is harvest-time, too, when we join together to thank God for his abundant provision, in answer to our prayer ‘Give us today our daily bread’ (Matthew 6, 11).

It goes so much farther than that, doesn’t it, as a modern hymn puts it ...

‘Thank you for saving me; what can I say? You are my everything, I will sing your praise.’

Not only does he meet our physical needs, but prepares a way for us to have an eternal relationship with him through his Son Jesus.

The apostle Paul, writing to the first century church in Ephesus, encourages his readers: ‘Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (5, 19 and 20).

(Thank you for reading this brief article.)

P.S. If you are free this Saturday, 14th September, pop in to the Christian Resource Centre, 91 – 93 Seaside Road, Eastbourne for a book-signing by Jane Bwye, local author. Her new book ‘Breath of Africa’, based on her experience of life in Kenya, has received excellent reviews leading to a nomination for a major literary prize.

P.P.S. Matthew 25 Mission, formerly Oasis, are due to welcome Eastbourne’s Mayor and M.P. to the opening of the gardens at their centre on Seaside (Christ Church) on Saturday 28th September at 1.30 pm, followed by tea. All welcome.