Ceaseless Thanks

Ephesians 1:15-23

Today is the last day of this trip to Vancouver. In the few days I've been here I've reconnected with a few people I consider to be family, spent quality time with my wife and parents, and gotten to see the beauty of God in the snow-capped mountains of British Columbia. It was most definitely a time when I was able to reconnect with a few of my relations.

"All of my relations" is a First Nations belief that all of creation is connected. It reminds us that every decision made, every action performed, and every voice spoken causes a reaction that affects all and everything the Creator has created. Humankind, therefore, is called by the creator not to be in dominion over that which is created, but to instead be a part of all which is created; just as the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, the beasts of the earth, and the plants, rocks, and soil of the land are a part of this same creation.

It's no wonder that I enjoy coming to Vancouver so much because while I'm here I am reminded that I am a part of creation, not the reason for it. While I'm at home in Hawaii I get caught up in the daily activities of life. I often forget to take the time out to enjoy all of God's creation. Of course I enjoy being with family and friends and I enjoy doing tasks which make those relationships better. I also enjoy being in prayer and meditation when I'm with my God. It's remembering to be a part of all of creation I often forget, and yet I live in one of the most beautifully created places on Earth - at least I think so.

What this short trip has reminded me is that I am a part of creation, and as such God wants me to be a part of creation. It's for that reminder I find myself extremely grateful every time I come here. Now the prayer is to remember to always keep this feeling in my heart and thought in my mind. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, thanks that church for their love of God and their faithfulness towards Jesus Christ. He says to them that he never ceases to give them thanks for their faithfulness and tells them he prays that they will continue to come to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ.

I want to express this same thankfulness to my relations in Vancouver as this place, and all which is in it, constantly reminds me that I have a God who loves me so much that God gives to me the opportunities to visit snow-capped mountains and say hi to a few members of my extended family.