Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Thanksgiving -- a day when we focus on all the things for which we are thankful.  What are you thankful for this year?

 

What baffles me this time of year is how short-lived our thankfulness is.  By tomorrow, many across the country will be lined up hours before the stores open to buy things.  It's an obsession of sorts.  We are never happy with what we have, but are always seeking more stuff.  I'm certainly not immune.  I find myself drawn to computers, outdoor gear, and other things.  I want what is faster, more durable, lighter, and otherwise better than what I have.  When is it enough?

 

In 1 Timothy 6:8, the author writes that "if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (NIV).  Other translations replace "clothing" with covering or 'a roof over us'.  Can we be content to be fed, clothed, and sheltered? 

 

Instead of moving from Thanksgiving into a season of wanting more and over-consumption, let's be thankful today, and keep our contentment, being satisfied that our basic food, clothing, and shelter are enough.  Let's move into Advent with expectant hope in God's promises as we prepare for the fulfillment of the coming of the Christ.

 

Lord God, we are so thankful for every gift: life, breath, friends, family, food, and warmth.  Help us to find content satisfaction in these simple necessities of life.  In the name of Jesus the Christ, AMEN.

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747 Creative Christian Worship: Join us for a celebration of Advent on Wednesdays (12/1, 12/8, & 12/15) at 7:47pm in JC meeting room D (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  This will be a special time!  ALL are welcome!  http://GMU747.org

Theology Pub: Tue. 12/7, 5pm-7pm in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB1) -- join us to discuss God, theology, faith, life, and how they intersect over food and drink.  We welcome questions, doubts, and differences of opinion.  :-) 

 

Game Night: Fri. 12/10, 6pm-9pm in JC mtg rm D (pending confirmation): Celebrate the end of classes by taking a study-break to play games, eat snacks, and listen to music.  

 

Prayer Labyrinth: Tue. 12/13, 2pm-6pm: JC mtg rm D. Spend some time seeking peace and centering yourself in prayerful meditation during the reading day before final exams.

 

Service project: If anyone would like to plan and lead a service opportunity for Sat. 12/4 or 12/7, let me know.  ;-)

 

Winner of a a Starbucks gift card: Molly Henry.  Email/call/TXT us within one week to claim your prize. (Subscribers to our email list will periodically be chosen to win  a prize, with one winner getting an iPod Touch -- so watch this space!)

 

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We are starting to look ahead to lots of exciting opportunities next semster.

Join the Facebook group & invite your friends: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=19907586200
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Grace and peace,
Ben
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Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
www.LCMGMU.org
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220