By Dab Dent, Praise and Glory Chair, Anglican Women
For what are you most grateful? Since this newspaper made its way to you – you probably have a place to call home. Most likely you have a car – or two, a fridge full of food, and a closet full of clothes.
When I first sensed a call to serve as the Chair of the Praise and Glory Offering, I didn’t know why. But then I realized it was because I needed to be more grateful for everything God has done for me.
Filling my Praise and Glory Jar has helped me do just that!
Though I do put coins and bills in the jar, in addition I cut strips of colored paper and put them, along with a pen, next to my Praise and Glory jar. Then I regularly started writing notes about what I was thankful for and putting them in so I could remember what putting money in the jar was all about.
When I’d get down and out or depressed, I’d take the notes out and read them and be reminded that God loves me and has blessed me abundantly.
Studies show how gratitude changes the brain – and writing down my blessings has helped me tremendously.
In just another month most of us will sit down to Thanksgiving Day tables laden with food. We’ll all thank God then, but what if, in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, we filled our Praise and Glory jars with notes listing the ways God has blessed us? Then later we can offer a gift that corresponds to our blessings.
Think of it as an act of worship, a tangible way to offer God praise and glory. Perhaps it can be something you include as part of your daily devotional time.
Just as a parent rejoices when a child expresses gratitude, so our heavenly Father rejoices when we express gratitude to him.
All offerings received by December 31, 2024, will go to the 2024 project, Camp Jubilee. Your jar of blessings can in turn bless those who will enjoy our new camp and retreat center.
How to Give
Though in the past we’ve encouraged women to collect coins and bills and then write a check to the Praise and Glory Chair of their church – and that is still a wonderful, valid way to do it – many of us now pay our bills electronically and don’t carry cash or checks. A simple and quick way to give is to click on the link below.
Having the jar on my counter has blessed me tremendously by reminding me how much God loves me and how blessed I am. I believe it will do the same for you. Won’t you join me?
This article first appeared in the fall issue of the diocesan newspaper, the Jubilate Deo.