For many years my wife and I have wanted to visit Door County in the fall, but we always found ourselves with either too much on the calendar or too little in the bank account. Finally this year we made it happen. Taking advantage of my wife having a day off of school at the end of October, my family and I had the opportunity to get away for two days. I had heard stories about the colorful beauty that can be seen during the fall. The stories are true, as you drive through the streets you can enjoy the beautiful landscape reflected in the forest.
As you may know, fall in Door County is one of the peak seasons for tourism. As we passed by, hotel after hotel had the messages on their entrances: No Vacancy. I immediately thought that the streets were going to be crowded all day but as we drove through the cities, the streets looked like they had little traffic. In the evenings, the streets, restaurants and shops showed something different. The reality was that most people during the day were immersed in all the hiking spots, forests, and lakes enjoying and giving thanks for the beauty that can be found around the peninsula. I thought to myself, what a great way to start the season of thankfulness.
As we approach gathering and celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, let us thank God for the things and moments God has given us. We as a Church thank God for the eight students from our Church who made their confirmation of faith on Reformation Sunday. We are thankful for the 75th anniversary of our Church that reminds us that we are always growing. We are thankful to have attended the Youth Gathering in New Orleans last summer and that the energy from that experience still inspires our students to have an active faith life in the church. We are thankful that a delegation was able to visit El Salvador this summer and that Rick Frowein is visiting Tanzania, strengthening the bonds of our partnerships and exploring new ways that Ascension can support our brothers and sisters. We are thankful for new members. As we also approach Dia de los Muertos, we give thanks for all those who have gone before us, but left wonderful memories in the hearts and minds of many of us.
I personally thank God for allowing me to visit Door County in the fall with my family. I am thankful that this summer I was able to celebrate my first year as an ordained pastor and my twelfth wedding anniversary. I am thankful to have had my first experience leading a youth trip and looking forward to our next one.
And you, what are you thankful for during this Thanksgiving holiday season?
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his loving-kindness is everlasting.” (1 Chronicles 16:34)
Happy Thanksgiving.
Pastor Edwin
