Thankful and Grateful

When I took Elsa (my dog) out this morning, it was so nice to feel just a little bit of coolness in the air! We don't get very much in the way of season changes here in Key West, but it sure is nice not to have the sweat dripping off of me as I walk the dog or take the trash out! A lack of humidity and slightly cooler temperatures sure are a blessing.

As most of you know, I grew up in Connecticut and I lived in Boston for about six years. I don't miss the long, cold, snowy winters. Scraping ice off my windshield or walking down the streets of Boston with my watering eyes turning into salty icicles on my face are things that I can definitely do without. But I do miss the summers of my youth, swimming in the cool Atlantic Ocean, bonfires on the beach, and the springtime with yellow forsythia blooms on the bushes and purple crocuses peeking out of the garden beds. Most of all, I miss the autumn in New England - the crisp, cool air, picking apples off the trees and then the leaves turning to bright, vibrant, beautiful colors that would bring joy and wonder to my heart. 

The leaves don't change color here in Key West. But there is also no snow, so I guess it's an even trade. All this is to say that, as much as I miss some of the season changes in New England, I am still incredibly grateful to live and serve on this amazing island and in this incredible community that has embraced me and encouraged me to be who God has called me to be. Sometimes I feel like I am dreaming. I am so blessed to be your pastor!

So, this November, in a month where we turn our hearts and minds towards being thankful for all that we have, I say - Thank you to all of you at Key West United Methodist Church for the opportunity to serve with you and to the community of Key West for embracing me in all my brokenness and allowing me to be a part of the One Human Family. 

Gosh, it feels good to be thankful!

What are you grateful for? 

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)

Grace and Peace

-Pastor Madeline