What makes your heart sing? This photo makes me think of The Colour Purple, where one of the character says: I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.   Finding God in all things is a discipline. For most of us it does not come easily. In the Thanksgiving reading today from Colossians 3, the author says with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Whatever we do, we should do in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God. Our hearts should sing every waking hour if possible.

Some days that is easier than others. When all is well with the world, we can find a song in our heart. Sometimes though we get caught up in life and distracted by the banal and we forget to sing–or dance in the kitchen in the morning. We forget to seek the Presence. This was not the case this morning where I did do my little kitchen dance and sang in my heart. By afternoon, I had become preoccupied with the crazy political situation in the United States and how women in our world suffer. I wondered if the world will ever be a safe place for females and if males can ever really comprehend our reality.

Then I went to see Queen of Katwe and my heart found its music again–even in the heartbreaking moments and the fear that the females in the film are faced with. My beloved Africa will ever have a place in my heart.  As Phiona walks her slum neighbourhood in Uganda, flashbacks of DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and South Africa stirred. I could almost smell the maize cooking, feel the rain pouring down, see the clothing colours flash, hear the music from the girl’s school, and taste the food offered so many years ago. At one point, I felt the rise of my anguish, wondering if I will ever set foot again on the red soil that has worked its way into my bloodstream. Africa makes my heart sing.

On this Thanksgiving Day, what is it that makes your heart sing? Have you said thank you?

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What makes your heart sing with gratitude?

What is a source of desolation or distraction lately?

Prayer

Creator, teach my heart to sing with gratitude and pour into me a spirit that longs to serve you. Move me to seek your Presence daily and find you in all things. Amen.