Serving Our Generous God Inspires Gratitude
A young man came to the Eugene Mission recently after suffering with addiction and losing his housing. His addiction threatened more than his ability to retain shelter — it threatened his most precious relationships: his connection with others and his sense of self.
Fear and shame are powerful giants, and many people who could find help at the Eugene Mission let these giants block our front doors, but not this young man. He walked past these monsters because he could see the possibility of a future free of the counterfeit support upon which he had been relying and which always traps and disappoints.
His hopeful vision was grounded in a deep gratitude for the care, resources and connections he found at the Eugene Mission. His gratitude worked like a bedrock that supported every step he took and absorbed the pressure and fatigue that accompany us on our journeys of recovery.
To embrace the journey forward, we must believe that our lives have purpose and that a better future awaits. However, it’s much more difficult to imagine this positive future when we are in the throes of the pain from the shards of a very real past.
The ancient Israelites had a similar problem when they were faced with the invasion of the Babylonian army. God issued an invitation to them to believe in a hope and a future, that they would once again plant vineyards and prosper, but the Israelites couldn’t see the possibility of healing, or of dignity and purpose, because they were relying upon counterfeit gods to save them.
“The metalworker encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths the hammer spurs on the one who strikes the anvil. One says of the welding, ‘It is good.’ The other nails down the idol so it will not topple.” Isaiah 41:7
There is no dignity in looking to a block of wood, or a gold image, or a drug, to save us. The consequences were, and are, disastrous for those whose saviors can’t even speak, and yet, we serve a God of endless chances who delights in mercy and who calls us to repentance through his kindness. If we’re still alive, he’s not finished with us.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
When we finally open our eyes to the possibilities presented to us by our all-powerful God, we find thankfulness pouring in. We begin to see the picture of our futures transformed from hopeless to hopeful, and from shame to dignity and purpose.
It’s easy to feel gratitude when we begin to see the vast resources that are available to us. Complete healing is possible through supportive relationships and the confidence that comes from successfully working through the toughest challenges.
This Thanksgiving, we are humbled by grace and grateful for the bountiful provision poured out for us by a King whose table is filled with every good thing for wellbeing and for sharing.
In gratitude,
Sheryl Balthrop