Thanksgiving Celebration

In the season of Thanksgiving (and the end of Fall Term), there are many emotions that we feel. Some of us may feel accomplished and encouraged. Others may feel tired, and maybe a bit discouraged. Still others may feel anxious about the rest of the school year, or hopeful about things to come.

As we conclude Fall Term, we celebrate with a Thanksgiving celebration. The Psalms are an integral part of this celebration. We share, as an entire school, the powerful images and emotions found in the Psalms. This year, each class memorized one verse of Psalm 138. We will recite this Psalm together on Thursday.

 It seems fitting that, as we reach the end of one season, we respond with thanks and celebration. When we return from Thanksgiving break, we continue to give thanks and celebrate in anticipation of Christmas, a new season.

In reflecting on this past season and looking ahead to a new one, I wonder -- what would your psalm look like at the end of this season? Would it be one of praise and thanksgiving. Maybe it would be one of questioning and despair. Maybe it would be one filled with hope.

As we enter a new season of thankfulness and celebration, I encourage you to reflect on the images and emotions that are so beautifully expressed in Psalm 138:

Psalm 138

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;

before the gods I sing your praise;

2 I bow down toward your holy temple

and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,

for you have exalted above all things

your name and your word.

3 On the day I called, you answered me;

my strength of soul you increased.

4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,

for they have heard the words of your mouth,

5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,

for great is the glory of the Lord.

6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,

but the haughty he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

and your right hand delivers me.

8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.

Do not forsake the work of your hands.