The notion of building nests is often used as a metaphor to describe people successfully providing for their own comforts. When we are comfortable, secure, and feel at home in our workplace or living area, we talk about the space being “our own little nest.” The word nest often connotes shelter, coziness, homelike, comfortable. In actual fact, the nests which birds build are not for the birds who build them, but for their young, for the next generation, for the future of the species. Now consider the “nests” we build in our churches. The buildings, programs, ministries, job descriptions and services - are they for our own comfort and coziness? Or are they to further the faith and provide for future generations? Vibrant, fruitful congregations focus as much energy, prayer, and planning on those outside the church as they do on those who are already active in the congregation. For those who practice Extravagant Generosity, the nests we build are not for ourselves – they are for the next generation, those new to the faith, the future of the body of Christ.
Excerpt from Practicing Extravagant Generosity Devotional by Robert Schnase
However and wherever you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, may your heart be open to receive God’s gracious and abundant love.
Pastor Brenda