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Dear Families,
Tuesday brought us some wild to Western Washington. I recognize that many of you still do not have power, or heat, and have had downed trees and damage from the wind, including some of our staff members. I continue to hold you in my prayers. On a plus side, it brought beautiful snow to the mountains, something that from High Point, we can see quite well. My view from my office (pictured here) is quite spectacular.
As we move closer to Thanksgiving and into the holiday season, I ask that we all remain mindful of our community members on the margins, those who go without, those who go without shelter, food, appropriate clothing, and the basic necessities that all human beings deserve, in order to live lives of dignity and respect. As I mentioned last week, this is the time where our many drives kick into gear (the Sock Drive in K last week, Westside Baby now, Shoeboxes of joy that ends tomorrow, the St. Vincent de Paul canned food drive happening during Advent). Remember to flip that mental script. It is in giving that we receive. How do we model what it means to be the Hands and Feet of Christ in our communities, for each other, and for our kids? To make change, we must be willing to be the change, not just expect it to happen around us.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and to your families. Whatever you do, wherever you go, I hope that this season gives us each opportunities to reflect on things that we are grateful for and the many blessings bestowed upon us. I hope and pray that it gives us opportunities for new traditions, new joys, and celebrations. Most of all, I hope that this Thanksgiving brings you peace and happiness as you gear up for Christmas (lest, we mustn't forget the wonderful season of Advent that begins the Sunday following Thanksgiving).
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