God’s Good Gifts

By Pastor Mark Woodward

Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith 

Churches (and Lenora) 

It was a glorious autumn morning.  It was early in the day.  I was greeted by a beautiful surprise.  As I drove down my driveway, I was greeted by a doe deer who stood next to the road.  I turned off the engine and let my pickup coast for a bit, and then stopped.  I was very quiet and got up right next to this impressive animal who was there to greet me.  I fumbled around as I tried to get my camera ready to take a picture, fearful that the deer would run off.  I got my camera ready and was successful in taking several photos.  However, within seconds the deer bounded off into the brush and took off!  

This was kind of a holy moment on that autumn day.  It was an inspiring and blessed morning as I contemplated all of the beautiful things God was doing in my life.  As I drove my old  pickup into town to meet up at the restaurant for breakfast, I got to thinking about the blessings in my life.  I got to reflecting on God’s good gifts.  God was surrounding me with the blessings of family and friends and the promise of God’s love given so freely in Jesus Christ.  God’s good gifts were evident in many ways that day and God’s good gifts reminded me that God goes with me every day of my life.  Even when problems, challenges, heartaches and brokenness cross our paths, God’s love for us has no end and God reaches out to us in Jesus Christ to shower us with grace, forgiveness  and renewed hope.  

That evening when I got home, I looked at the picture from earlier in the day when I was greeted by the beautiful deer and I got to thinking again about all of God’s good gifts.  Sometimes, I get so busy with this and that and all of the activities and responsibilities of the day  that I tend to forget about all of God’s good gifts that came my way.  I am reminded of my good friend The Reverend James W. Ross who inspired me in so many  ways … he was truly a great friend and colleague.  He gave me a precious, little gift of a window sill angel that sits in my office today.  The angel offers an important reminder, “Have you remembered to thank God for his  love today?”

So, let’s take time today to thank God for his unending love and to be grateful for all of God’s good gifts given to us in so many beautiful ways.  I hope you know just how much you are loved today and every day!

Your friend,

Pastor Mark Woodward