The saying in Tennessee is “if you don’t like today’s weather, just wait a couple of days.” The accompanying pictures were taken of the same azaleas in my yard this week, two days apart. One was taken on a magnificent, shirtsleeve November day with the flowers looking glorious. The other was taken when I was wearing a sweater and jacket that still didn’t keep me from shivering.

For Tennesseans, forty-degree swings in the temperature are not uncommon in autumn or in spring. Seasonal changes here don’t happen automatically; Mother Nature has her own way of ushering us into a new reality.

Sometimes changes in our lives can come abruptly, even tragically. An unexpected phone call, a moment of carelessness while driving, a surprising major expense…such things can quickly catch us off guard and change the trajectory of our lives in an unpleasant, even tragic, way. Other surprises can be unanticipated bonuses and blessings. As several philosophers have said, the reality of life is change and a flowing river is not the same from moment to moment.

Some realities are constant, however. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. We also believe that God’s nature as love and grace remains from age to age. We also look at the changing seasons as reminders that, although some days can be unpleasant, God’s creation is filled beauty in every season. The azaleas that were so glorious a few days ago and look drab now will once again be filled with gorgeous blooms next year. Just as autumn follows summer, so spring follows winter.

In this month that encourages us to give thanks…for the saints who have gone before, for those who have served our nation in the name of freedom and justice, and for all the blessings we enjoy. Let us remember that “Thanks” is not complete without “giving” and that real gratitude leads to generosity. For a Jesus follower, giving out of what one has is not an option, it’s a necessity.

When you have days of gloom, think on Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Jesus said when we worry about having enough, we should look to the birds of the air and the flowers of the field and the provision God makes for them (and I would add in West Tennessee, look to the azaleas). Then you’ll find it easier to add “giving” to your “Thanks”!

In the Christ that never changes…

Rev. Dr. David Comperry
Field Staff Representative