KENNEDY COLUMN: Giving thanks for the seasons

By Carolyn Kennedy, Sauk Prairie Eagle columnist

We thank you for the beauty of the starry night, the glow of the moon and the sunshine of each bright new day.

We thank you for the bounty of the fertile land and the refreshment of living waters.

We thank you for bustle, excitement, and vibrancy of our cities and towns.

We thank you for all the animals, tamed and wild, from the smallest insects to whales and elephants.

We thank you for the stunning diversity of vines and trees, shrubs and herbs, grasses and flowers.

We thank you for the brilliant glitter of frozen lakes and diamond snow.

We thank you for the tiny leaves appearing with thawed soil and soaking rain.

We thank you for long warm days of cool drinks and hot grilled food.

We thank you for fallen leaves, pumpkins and apples, golden grasses and frosted nights.

We thank you for the warmth and welcome of our homes and churches.

We thank you for the gifts of true friendship and loving families.

We thank you for meaningful work and joyful play.

We thank you for your mercy when we fail and your joy when we turn to you.

We thank you for your sustaining presence throughout our lives and into everlasting life.

As I wrote this prayer for a Thanksgiving service, I realized how grateful I am to live where there are seasonal changes.

Even winter, with its icy sidewalks and heating bills, has its blessings. I look forward to sledding with the kids followed by cocoa and popcorn. I want to play with Shiloh, our goofy husky, in the snow.

Just when I can't stand another frozen day, my shy crocuses will emerge.  My trees will bud. I'll thaw out along with everything else.

Summer will bring swimming during the day and toasted marshmallows in the evening.  I'll take my son camping.  My church will have an outdoor worship service followed by a picnic.

Autumn will blaze with fiery trees and ring with school bells. My son will decide, for the fifth year in a row, to be a pumpkin for Halloween. Once the candy is gone it will be time to prepare for another winter.

The changing seasons remind me that it takes a mighty God to make a complex world. It takes a creative, artistic God to make it so beautiful.  

It takes a timeless, patient God to build a universe of endless stars and planets. It takes an intimate God to make the soil organisms that break down rotting plants into food for new growth.  

It takes a loving God to become human flesh and join us in this earthly life. May your Thanksgiving be a day of praise, gratitude, and celebration.

— Carolyn Kennedy is the pastor of the Mazomanie United Church of Christ and can be reached at

(608) 220-6987 or by e-mail at mazoucc@charterinternet.com