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Being grateful allows us to see beyond the trees to the forest of growth and what will be. Dec 2020

Being grateful allows us to see beyond the trees to the forest of growth and what will be. Dec 2020

by | Dec 4, 2020 | Chaplain

Chaplain’s Corner December 2020

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”- 1Thessolians 5:18

The year 2020 has and is a challenging year. We have dealt with unprecedented disappointments, racism, an election that seems as if it will never end, and a relentless pandemic that has taken lives and created a new normal. A new normal of not being able to gather together for the holidays as in previous years. A new normal for many who have loved ones who succumbed to the virus. A new normal in the way we function daily. Yes, 2020 has been a challenging year. However, we are almost to the end. I do believe 2021 will bring new life and new beginnings. Amid all that we are going through currently, finding ways to be grateful and give thanks can relieve some of the stress we may feel.

Being thankful for the small events in our lives and others’ lives can change the view of a glass from half-empty to a half-full glass. It is our perception of the situation. When we can find the rainbow amid the clouds, we lift our spirits and see beyond ourselves and the current circumstances. We learn from our experiences we have been through on ways to be better as we have a new lens to see life. We can see the beauty in each given day as it is a gift (even with the challenges). We can appreciate the love shared with those who are with us and feel the spiritual presence of those who are not.

Being grateful allows us to see beyond the trees to the forest of growth and what will be. Let us not waste precious time in the sea of regret but plunge with hopefulness into the ocean of thankfulness. Enjoy your holiday season and be thankful for all we have been blessed to share over the past year and with anticipation of the year to come.

Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson United States Navy Chaplain

Chaplain’s Corner – November 2020

by | Nov 4, 2020 | Chaplain

Chaplain Corner Article

“I have heard your prayers and seen your tears; I will heal you.” 2 Kings 20:5

In 2 Kings 20th chapter, Hezekiah becomes very ill, unto death. Prophet Isaiah shows up to tell Hezekiah to get his affairs in order as he is about to die. Hezekiah does not respond to Isaiah. Instead, he immediately turns his face to the wall and begins to pray to God. Hezekiah does not beg for his life. However, he reminds God of his faithfulness and dedication to what God has entrusted to him. As Hezekiah reflected back to God his faithfulness, he begin to cry bitterly but he never complained.  God stops Isaiah, before he could leave the middle court, and tells him to go back to Hezekiah. God says: “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord”

I am sure Hezekiah thought this was the end as we have often been taught to believe that when God makes a decision it is final. However, this is not the case! Not only does God restore Hezekiah but adds an additional 15 years to his life. Hezekiah did not take the years God had given him lightly nor did he waste them. He continued to be fruitful and honor God with his life until it was officially his time.

Many of us have become spiritually and mentally exhausted with our current society. Some of us may have begun to believe the words of Isaiah as we watch current events unfold that we should get our affairs in order as this is the end. However, like Hezekiah many us have turned our face to the wall, prayed, and cried as we have spoken of the good deeds we have continued to do regardless of our current state. We remind God of our actions and our faithfulness to ensure democracy, justice, and greater world for us all.  Because of us not complaining or even begging for our lives, God is letting us know it is not over. No matter what goes on in our current state of affairs, God is going to heal us because God has heard our prayers and seen our silent tears.  Now is not the time to lose sight of what our mission and purpose in life is to be. Instead, it is time for us to work with purpose and intentionality as it is not over until God says it is over.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson United States Navy Chaplain