A Very Terry (Pratchett) Thanksgiving (a Steve Orr scripture reflection)

In his novel, Thief of Time, Terry Pratchett references a fictional philosopher called “Wen the Eternally Surprised.” It is explained that those who seek understanding often ask: “'Why was he eternally surprised?” It’s an odd little moment, but if you read the novel (recommended) you will fully get the context, and that will help make sense of it.

For our purposes, it is the answer to that question which serves us this Thanksgiving season:

“'Wen considered the nature of time and understood that the universe is, instant by instant, recreated anew. Therefore, he understood, there is in truth no past, only a memory of the past. Blink your eyes, and the world you see next did not exist when you closed them. Therefore, he said, the only appropriate state of the mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of the heart is joy. The sky you see now, you have never seen before. The perfect moment is now. Be glad of it.”

We know this … or we should. Scripture teaches us to be thankful, not least because of the transitory nature of our lives as they exist in time. For now, we live in the moment. But our orientation is to what is permanent. This week’s selection from Psalm 100 reminds us that only God provides us with what is eternal and permanent: God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

So, yes, we should treasure every moment with surprise and joy. That moment will not come our way again. Yet, we should also hold in our hearts the truth that God’s steadfast love is renewed every morning.

Be glad of it.


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PHOTO: “Harvest Bonfire” by Steve Orr
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READINGS FOR THANKSGIVING DAY
THANKSGIVING DAY, USA (NOVEMBER 28, 2019)
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu//texts.php?id=291

Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 100
Philippians 4:4-9
John 6:25-35
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
First Sunday of Advent (December 1, 2019)
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=1

Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44

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Our usual “Our Breakfast Place” Lectionary group will NOT meet. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. See you in December!

Steve