from the rector


December 2009

Let me be totally unoriginal this month – and tell you what I'm thankful for. Not everything I'm thankful for by any means – just what comes to the top of my mind and heart.

  • I'm thankful that I spent years as a runner, and I'm thankful that I can still walk vigorously.

  • I'm thankful for the parishioners who've been here a long time who remind us where we came from.

  • I'm thankful for new parishioners who remind us that God has a future in mind for us.

  • I'm thankful for Virginia.

  • I'm thankful for the constantly changing assortment of birds in our backyard. Except the starlings – I can't be that dishonest. But all the rest.

  • I'm thankful for disciplined, enthusiastic, and cheerful young people.

  • I'm thankful for the new Chinese restaurant we found that serves really spicy food.

  • I'm thankful that we're having a go at forming a choir again.

  • I'm thankful for rain, and I'm thankful for sunshine. I have to admit that this year I'm more thankful for sunshine, especially for this magnificent last weekend.

  • I'm thankful for people who keep supporting their church – in every way – in difficult times.

  • I'm thankful that both our cats are good, dedicated, and enthusiastic mouse catchers – especially at this season when the weather turns chill.

  • I'm thankful for the people who have taught us how to dance.

  • I'm thankful for people in the church who can – and will – do “heavy lifting” in areas where I am weak and unskilled.

  • I'm thankful that our children are mature, happy, and self supporting.

  • I'm thankful for Episcopal Church of the Annunciation; its worship and its fellowship.

  • I'm thankful that the Dead Pigeon River isn't dead anymore.

  • I'm thankful for my bishop.

Let me just encourage you to make your own list!

Yours in Christ,


David Garrett