Hearing the news that our family was too late for our flight did not inspire a moment of thanksgiving. Yet, we didn't panic or overly worry. Instead, we went into solution-finding mode, like we often do, and began to see God show up.
My family arrived at the airport two hours ahead of our delayed flight, only to discover it had been rescheduled to depart in 17 minutes.
A customer service agent named Jeannine* jumped into action, phone in hand, determined to find a Thanksgiving miracle for us. Meanwhile, next to us, another agent made a small adjustment that unlocked similarly-needed help for a fellow passenger. Jeannine tried it for us, and suddenly our luggage was accepted and checked, too.
Boarding passes were pressed into our hands with a wish of luck, and we were off. Partnering with God, though, is always better than luck!
Security moved quickly, and it felt as though God had cleared the path: Only two people were ahead of us, and the line for carry-on screening was short. We raced toward our gate, only to find it empty.
Our hearts sank — until I realized we were one gate off. A sprint down the corridor and an escalator ride later, there it was: our gate, our flight number, our plane, actively boarding.
With boarding passes scanned, we walked toward the plane in disbelief and gratitude.
Our sprint to the gate that night feels quite similar to what we experienced this year as we sprinted through challenges, obstacles and the overall journey of life. Maybe your year was like this, too; 2025 seemed to fly by quickly. With all the twists and turns, we found ample opportunities to trust God’s timing and providence.
I remember later asking my young son on the evening of that Thanksgiving flight if he understood what had happened. “God brought us here,” he said. “Praise God!”
Oh, what true words still today. As we think back over this year as a family and as a Northwest family, God brought us through 2025.
Stories of God’s work are everywhere — just look at the stories that are shared in the printed and digital pages of the Northwest Gleaner publications! There is so much to be thankful for as God is at work in ways both big and small. Consider this summary:
- NextGen leaders are growing and stepping into roles of influence across our Adventist education campuses.
- Churches and schools are engaging with the Pentecost 2025 evangelism initiative in new and creative ways.
- Community service centers are receiving volunteers and provisions in times of increased need.
- Our world church came together for General Conference Session, renewing the call and finding fresh wind to say, “I will go.”
- Families and churches are experiencing reconciliation, growth and renewed purpose.
- Leaders are collaborating and innovating, using their gifts to reach more people with the gospel.
- Pastors, educators, volunteers and donors are committed to front-line ministry.
- Churches are growing, planting new congregations, revitalizing plateaued communities and inviting others to follow Jesus.
- We daily see signs of how it's beginning to rain with the Holy Spirit's blessings — just listen to the stories that we tell at church, in meetings and through the Gleaner!
The list of blessings could go on and into even greater depth.
Have you noticed that sometimes in the middle of life’s stresses and messes, it’s hard to see how challenges will work out? Yet, when we take time to look for the miracles, when we pause to notice God’s leading, we are met with tangible reminders of His faithfulness and goodness.
The words of Phil. 4:4–7 gives us an encouraging reminder: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
For my family, the next Sabbath at church after our nearly missed flight, as the worship leaders introduced the song "Gratitude," my son knew exactly what he wanted to do. Following the lyrics, he lifted his hands in thanksgiving to Jesus and sang his hallelujah.
On this day of Thanksgiving, whatever you are facing, may you lift your hands — and your perspective — in gratitude to Jesus, counting and recounting the blessings of this year.
*P.S. The people who serve us rarely hear the full story. Let them know, then or later, the difference they made — a special word of thanks can carry far beyond the moment.
