A Giving of Thanks
How to hold the tension of the world with thanksgiving.
It’s hard to hold, the tension of this world.
So much pain and horror in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Horn of Africa. So much heartbreak in our own homes, holidays reminders of who is no longer with us, or just a long, lonely year that we can’t wait to flip the calendar on.
In the middle of all of the hard and broken, how can our hearts hold on?
What is there to be thankful for?
Plenty.
We can slow ourselves to notice the things around us that are good, warming, and true. Family and friends who are still here and close. The cuddle of a puppy or a little child on our lap, the roof over our heads and a spray of jet stream in the sky.
There is always something to be thankful for. Do we have eyes to see?
Wherever Thanksgiving meets you this year, know I am thankful for you and what you bring to this world. I am thankful for the God who loves me, and who loves you too. And I am thankful for the small pieces of beauty we get each day: Sunlight in the morning, breath in our lungs.
In the tension, we can grieve, but we can still give thanks.
There’s Always Grace,
Sarah
Book Recommendation
Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee
Need a pause in your chaotic life? Growing Slow is a signal to shift into each season of life and what they bring. Enter a simpler way of living by unhurrying your heart, embracing the relaxed rhythms of nature, and discovering the meaningful gift of growing slow. Jennifer gives us the permission we need to say it’s OK if we maybe do less.
Get the book here and support my favorite local bookshop, Fair Isle Books, located on Washington Island, WI.
Published Pieces
The Heart’s Quiet Humbling - Redbud Post
He took his eyes off You.
Peter. When he set shaky legs on the liquid walkway between the boat and You. He snuck a peak at the power surge of storm surrounding him, felt the flow of wave beneath. And then he balked.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:29-30)
He strayed his eyes from Your sure figure and set his sights to circumstance, peels the skin of his humanity. And so of course he starts to sink—when it becomes all about situation and himself.
If the rough fisherman only would have fixed his gaze and thoughts on You… for You are our firm line, the anchor that sets us straight. Without worry, without fear; comforted in complete trust.
But I cannot cast stones. I, too, am like this man. I drop my eyes to my feet, look at the uneven ground beneath me, feel it tremble and quake. I keep my head down, but You stare straight to me. Imploring me to keep steady and trust. You protect me, You go before me, You make my sail secure.
On the Blog
Grace is Greater
Grace is the good breath of air our souls sip down slow.
It’s what we wait for, tune our inner radars to its frequency, and fall into when our tired limbs can no longer hold up the weight of our hurt.
We are frail, but we can always count on the strength of God’s unyielding grace, a love that lingers, nestles close.
His grace gives peace to our frantic minds, slows the swirl of uncertainty in our hearts.
Connect with Me
I’d love to hear from you - send me an email at sarahefreymuth@gmail.com to say hi, share a thought that’s on your heart, and let me know how to pray for you. You can connect with me on my social handles, as well: