Dear friends in Christ,
This last Friday and Saturday I was once again in Ashland. A little setting up of the newly painted office, a couple of get to know you meetings with folks, a trip to Lowe’s regarding something for the house, and a couple of meals with parishioners. Saturday morning was beautiful and so I decided to drive around town to see what I could see. I drove by Jolly Pirate Donuts, turned around, parked, and went inside to check it out and possibly do some quality control. After a pumpkin and a maple glazed donut found themselves into the bag I left with, I enjoyed trying to pick a winner as I continued my driving tour alternating bites between the two. Both were delicious with the pumpkin leading with a slight nutmeg edge. I’ll be back! You know, more quality control… 😉 You’ve probably seen the sign inside the Jolly Pirate that says, “Dozen = 13”. Having grown up in Louisiana this extra bit, known elsewhere as a baker’s dozen, has its own terminology. The word is Lagniappe. It’s a combination of “a little something extra” and that extra little gift being offered with grace. It means you matter and we hope to see you again. Theologically speaking – God is giving us gifts all the time. Even on tough days and in the midst of difficult situations. Perhaps especially in times of struggle God continues to offer blessings of provision. My question is: Am I stopping long enough to give God my attention today, this week, this month?
My prayer for each Calvary parishioner is that you and I will prepare for our Advent season together with a simple daily prayer and/or devotion.
Find something that works for you! Steal some time away from the temptation of busyness to be quiet for a few minutes, to read some of the upcoming Sunday readings, or to sing a spiritual song. God is not the Jolly Pirate, but God does give us something sweet to savor when we stop and open our minds and hearts to God’s good gifts.
Let’s start by saying thanks to God. For the obvious things in life, but also for the way God provides amidst life’s difficulties. We might just find that when we think we’ve reached the bottom of the box, God’s lagniappe offers a little something extra.
What is God’s lagniappe for you today, this week, and this month?
God is good! It is right to give our thanks and praise!
Blessings, Fr. Jon
