Defining a Blessing – “Key” Thanksgiving Message 2011
Parish Priest’s Message from the “Key” Newsletter – 20 November 2011
Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to stop from our busy schedule and thank God for the many blessings we have in life.
While everyday should be filled with thanksgiving, the once-a-year event this coming Thursday, is an opportunity for the Christian to bear witness to the power of God. That is, while the Christian prays and offers thanks every day, this Thursday we have a much bigger audience that is receptive to the idea.
And we need all the help we can get. Things are tough this year. The economic crisis has not eased up. Jobs are scarce. It’s very easy to be negative and miss the blessings that we do have.
Recently, while contemplating the word blessing I came up with this definition: A blessing is luck without the element of chance. Think about it for a moment…. and then count your blessings.
If you’re reading this on a computer or even from the copy you picked up at church, you’re better off than most people in the world. Start from there. Count your blessings. Loved ones? Friends? Are you able to love others? Perhaps a pet? Start from the basics and move up. Can you see the smile and warmth in the eyes of your children? Maybe life is not as rosy as you’d hope it to be, but the more goodness you find, the more optimistic your outlook becomes. The more optimistic, the more you have opportunities to build on and find the goodness God has in store for you. Remember “It is better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness.”
I invite you to join us this Wednesday for a very special Thanksgiving service as we count our bless-ings and help those in need.
~ Fr. Vazken
This message is elaborated at www.youtube.com/armodoxy
*The “Key” is the weekly newsletter of the St. Peter Armenian Church, Glendale, CA – Jesus asked the Disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter responded “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus promised the Keys to the Kingdom for this profession of faith. (Mt 16) At the St. Peter, Glendale Parish, our faith and actions are based on that same profession of faith. It is the Key that opens the doors to our journey as Christians…
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