Reflection For November 29

God calls us to grow beyond having a moment of gratitude. He calls us to live perpetually in gratitude. Giving thanks isn’t a feeling. It’s choosing to trust that God is good even when life is not. We need to give thanks in every circumstance. This is easy to say but not necessarily easy to do. Our struggle to forgive someone who wronged us reflects the very struggle Jonah had to obey God and show mercy to his enemies. Jonah was supposed to go to Nineveh, but he heard the people were wicked and known for torture, brutality, and cruelty including child sacrifices. When Jonah was drowning in the water, he thought that maybe going to Nineveh was better than death. Jonah wanted to live, and he sought salvation. The fish was in the right place at the right time to save Jonah. God was there for him. The fish was not his punishment but his salvation. Jonah called out to God out of distress when he was drowning. When his life was fading away, he remembered the Lord and knew his prayer was heard. God does not leave us alone in the worst moments. He gives second chances. He wants to redeem everyone. He loves us and is engaged with us. Jonah and Jesus were sent by God. They went to enemies and brought the message that could save them. Jesus obeyed God. Jonah continued his life, and Jesus was raised to a new life. God is always here for us and is full of love to share with us. I see people in our church living this way. They are uplifting to others and use their time, talent, and treasures to reach out to others in need. Thank you God, and thank you to everyone for being part of this amazing church family! Reflections from Deborah Kelly. Share your reflections with deborah@rbcommunity.org and let me know your thoughts.