I came across this essay from a Methodist pastor and author, Jason Byassee, who for several years was an associate editor for The Christian Century. In "The Right Gesture," he looks back on a mistake he made in not publicly thanking a specific individual for their role in organizing and leading the cook team in preparing a communal Thanksgiving meal. In some ways, this is understandable -- he didn't know that the minister was expected to offer this specific thanks before the meal, so he was actually in another meeting and planned to come to the meal late.
Ministers, like other public leaders, are frequently called upon to publicly thank volunteers, church officers, or others. So, in some ways, this is a reflection that speaks strongly to pastors. But I think that the basic point, about how we should learn to better approach each other with gestures of humility, love, and thanksgiving is applicable to all disciples of Jesus Christ.
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2 comments:
I bet there's biblical authority for a proposition, but of course you would be amazed if I knew it. When one is the "forgotten," isn't the Christian thing to do to ignore it or shrug it off with a "Whatever"?
R
I think so, Roger. It is a little unclear in the article, but seems like it was someone else who brought it to Jason's attention. Of course, then you might also wonder if it is best to shrug off such behind-the-back gossip with a 'whatever.'
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