Happy Thanksgiving

I have to say, in the past week or two, I have found much to be thankful for in the world.

That sight from the old State Capitol steps at the Join the Impact rally was amazing. Word that another homophobe and femaphobe, Jack Iker of Fort Worth, is going to join the ranks of deposed despots of the Episcopal Church makes me say, "Finally!"...as I offer prayers for those Texans remaining with the ECUSA. And now, Chief Schismatic Gregory Venables of the Southern Coneheads has finally pissed off others in the Anglican Communion and he, as well as the other schismatics, may face exclusion from the Anglican Consultative Council meeting that takes place next spring. One wonders why it took this long for others to see that the schismatics haven't stopped their power-grabbing efforts in the USA. Perhaps next the Archbishop of Canterbury will actually have a conversation with +Gene Robinson of New Hampshire? OK....maybe that's wishful thinking...

And I am still smiling as I think about what happened at the Diocesan Convention in Missouri. What a sign of hope, and evidence that the spirit of God is still at work in the world. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen!

I am also reflecting on the place of privilege that I have as a homeowner, and a businesswoman with the breath of life still in me. This is a privilege, and as one who has...I believe it only right to share some of what I have with those who have not. My partner and I will be doing a little bit of that this holiday weekend.

But above all, I want to give a shout of gratitude for my animal buddies: my beautiful, four-legged, furry daughter Valkyrie "Kyrie TeKittyCat" Gage...and my niece, Sammy the Dog Queral.

They bring so much love and joy into my life. Looking into their eyes reminds me of the good that is out there in the world...even when the world doesn't seem that great. Because they always look back at me with eyes that are expectant, or joyous, or just filled with love. A look that I often believe is the look of God when we take the time to stop thinking about ourselves and reflect instead on what is before us: Abundance. Life. Love.

A Collect For stewardship of creation

O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I give thanks to God. And pass the sweet potatoes this way, please!