For many years, my husband Brett has outwardly expressed his core value of gratitude. Gratitude for the little things and the big things. This intentional action has helped me develop my own sense of gratitude: for family, health, friends, meaningful work, food, shelter, clothing. Sometimes taken for granted, consistently reminded that they are not for granted, and with a balanced perspective around all of it.
As we close out 2021 and look toward 2022, many of us are taking stock by making gratitude lists. Maybe if we compared our lists, we’d see themes in common; perhaps we would discover something new about each other. I’m sharing three items today that make up a portion of my Epiphany Gratitude list for 2021.
Many of you know that Epiphany is the sponsoring parish of my husband, Brett Johnson, for ordination to the Sacred Priesthood, scheduled for early next month. I am so grateful to you for the many ways you have supported us and held us as we enter this new chapter in our faith lives together. Your enthusiasm is so appreciated by both of us. I’m grateful for the many ways Brett has been called to this holy work, and I am both proud and humbled to be walking alongside him.
Nick Myers joined us as our new rector in January of this year. What an amazing time it has been partnering with him as he inspires us to grow in new ways. Over this year I’ve discovered that Nick is a wonderful priest, pastor, and friend, and I am grateful to count Bethany, Bennett, Lennox, Bob, and Linda as new friends.
I often refer to Suzanne Owayda as my third sister. It’s hard to put into words the gratitude I feel for the partnership we’ve had as co-wardens at Epiphany for the past three years. Through all the challenges we faced together, Suzanne and I rarely disagreed on any issue put before us; if we did, we easily worked through it. This is Suzanne’s last year as warden, and while we won’t be serving together for much longer, I am grateful to have gained such a close sister in Christ, and a fantastic friend forever.
What’s on your Epiphany Gratitude List?
Blessings to us all in 2022!
Dave McSweeney, Warden
