It is a common celebration across the globe. In one country it is called Pongal, in another Chusok and in the United States we call it Thanksgiving. Spanning cultures, religion and ethnic differences, Thanksgiving finds a place in the hearts and lives of many nations.

In Korea, Chusok is a three day celebration in the eighth lunar month (August). Much of the celebration revolves around thanking our ancestors for their lives and legacy. In my childhood it was a treat to stay up late on Thanksgiving Eve, receive brand new clothes on Thanksgiving morning and enjoy a simple meal that seemed like a feast.

We lived in a village near the Yellow Sea. Families had few material blessings, living just south of the Demilitarized Zone our village was devastated by the war and plagued by poverty. But our wealth was in our relationships and the simple blessing we shared with one another.

My family worshiped many Gods. In every corner of the house you could find altars for each of the different deities. Turkey was not part of our Thanksgiving dinner but rice cakes were. We looked forward to this special treat. As one of seven children we would fight over the biggest pieces of rice cake. My Grandmother would stop us as we scrambled to grab the food for ourselves. She would take a big piece of rice cake, open the window and throw the piece in the yard while praying “O God, earth deity, please come and eat first.” A curious child, I once asked grandmother “why do you waste the big piece of rice cake?”

My grandmother may not have believed in the one God of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, but her theology of abundance was strong. In the midst of the scarcity of post-war Korea, in a family oppressed by poverty, with a father crippled and unable to provide – we shared our bounty of “first fruits” with God in a dramatic, sacrificial way.

I have much to offer up to God this Thanksgiving. I am thankful to be serving in the United Methodist Church in a historic, future shaping time. I am grateful for the warm return that I have experienced as we continue to partner together for another quadrennium. I am excited to be part of historic moments in our country as we move toward the first African American President in the White House. I thank God that my nephew, Jae Boo who remained in a coma for two months following an auto accident this summer has regained consciousness and is slowly healing.

While some around us are wringing their hands in fear of the unknown, as our country moves through an unprecedented economic shift; it may seem incongruent to talk about Thanksgiving. But this holiday, no matter the name or the tradition, is about so much more then prosperity. It is about abundance. Prosperity is focused on material wealth and our own luxuries, our comfort. Abundance focuses on the overflowing love of God that makes us bold in sharing our faith and our resources.

Abundance is about offering the biggest piece of rice cake to God even when seven hungry souls are grabbing for that same piece. Abundance is about allowing God’s love to overflow into the world in spirit filled prayer and concrete acts of mission and mercy.

We have lived in a time of economic plenty and much good has grown from the season. We live in a time of uncertainty – but God’s call to faithful discipleship does not change. Join me, my friends, in a season of Thanksgiving. Prepare your hearts, spread open your hands and together we will be harvest servants.

In this season more than ever, God calls us to be healthy disciples in our Harvest 2020 journey.