Terry Paul Choyce
October 7, 2007, Brunswick Street United Church
One of the most important people in my life over the last 7 years has been my dear friend Gloria Hennigar. Gloria and I share birthdays, only when I am 56 on Dec. 6, she will be 83. A few years ago she had a big birthday party for us, so all of our mutual friends could celebrate our big day, and also delight in the bond of friendship we all had for each other. She asked everyone to bring a joke or funny story to share. We rolled with laughter for over two hours. It was a hilarious, glorious event.
Gloria is the most generous person I have ever met. She is always giving people gifts, and treating them to meals. Whenever she can do a little something to brighten someone's day, so does it. Every time I have felt down or had something unpleasant happen in my life, Gloria would always send me a card to cheer me up, and do something special for me to help me feel in love with life again. She does this for so many people. From her lovely room in the house she shares with her daughter's family, she radiates goodness to so many others. She doesn't drive, doesn't get out much, yet she touches people's hearts every day.
Every morning Gloria spends an hour praying for people. She has a prayer list which is added to almost daily. She asks God for healing of body, mind, and spirit for people she knows - and for complete strangers she has been asked to pray for. Everyone who knows her is aware of her loving, spiritual connection with God, and the power that comes with her very strong faith in God's healing grace. I firmly believe in the power of prayer and positive intention. I know that from her room, Gloria is helping to create miracles.
Our Mission has also benefited from Gloria's generosity. She and her daughter have made us the main recipients of their hand-me-downs. At least once a month I fill up my car with things which they no longer need - everything from clothes to furniture and art. In the office right now hang two prints that were once theirs. They want to streamline their possessions, as many people are doing these days. Owning a lot is losing its appeal, as the freedom of simplicity is gaining popularity.
I am filled with gratitude for having the privilege of knowing and loving Gloria. I am appreciative of all she has given me, but more than that I am so thankful for the time I get to spend with her. Our talks in her room and on the phone always give me insight into my life, and appreciation for who I am. She pours on the praise whenever we talk, and praise is a gift we can freely give to all. She has encouraged me in every change I have made. I go to her for sound advice and wisdom. I go to her for unconditional love.
Is there anyone in your life who you are very grateful for? Have you told them lately how much they mean to you? Do you think there are people who are very appreciative for your friendship and love? Are there other ways you can reach out to them, to make their lives brighter?
On this Thanksgiving weekend, let's concentrate on being thankful for the people in our lives. We are social beings. We need human contact to be happy and healthy. An infant who is fed and kept warm, but who is deprived of touch and love, will die. All of us need the occasional hug or affectionate touch. All of us need someone to talk to, or listen to. All of us need to feel that we matter to someone. The author Carol Smith wrote " We crave love and affection not because we are weak and needy, but because we know innately what is important. We were made to love and be loved." Charles Farone wrote " Hugging is the ideal gift. Great for any occasion, fun to give and receive, shows you care, comes with its own wrapping and, of course, is fully returnable. Hugging is practically perfect. No batteries to wear out, inflation proof, nonfattening, no monthly payments, theft-proof, and non-taxable."
Can you imagine the amount of gratitude people felt towards Jesus during his ministry? He healed so many people, even bringing a few back from death. And then there were the social outcasts, who were accepted by Jesus, and treated like everyone else. He treated women as equals, which back then was taboo. And he changed the lives of thousands of people with his words and stories of love, forgiveness and compassion. The 12 disciples were all transformed by his life and love. For the last 2000 years people have turned to Jesus when they have been sick or upset or in trouble. From the love they feel from him they have been healed and comforted. All of us here have prayed to Jesus, and his grace has made us feel better about ourselves.
Throughout the Bible, praise and thanksgiving has been given to God. Today's reading of Isaiah 12:4 -5 says "Give thanks to the Lord! Call for him to help you! Tell the nations what he has done! Tell them how great he is! Sing to the Lord because of the great things he has done. Let the whole world hear the news." Our reading from Psalm 106 said " O give thanks, for God is good; God's love endures forever. Who can recount your mighty acts, O God; or tell of all your praise?"
Part of worship is giving praise and thanks. Let part of life be that too. Tell people "thank-you" all the time. Let them know how much you appreciate them, or love them. Smile more ,praise profusely, hug often, share what you have, and live with an open heart like my friend Gloria. All of the world will be a better place if we all just take the time to say "Thank-you", to God, Jesus, and each other."
©Terry Paul Choyce. Used with permission from the author.
