November is a time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. For many of us, this includes our calling and the blessings that come with it. We've all had our share of discouragement in the past few years but the wonderful news is that God is not finished with us yet! Here are 5 reasons why you should be thankful for your calling:
1. You are fulfilling a purpose that God has given you.
You may have forgotten this but all of us are called. Your calling may be crystal
clear or it may have gotten fuzzy but either way, you are a part of building the
Kingdom!
2. You have been blessed with unique gifts and talents.
We need each other. We need the gifts and talents that we each bring to the
table. Our calling allows us to use our unique gifts and talents for the good of
others and the glory of God.
3. You get to share your love with others.
When we are pursuing our calling, there is a deep joy and satisfaction that comes
with it. It may not always be easy but it is worth it when we are living out our
purpose. And the best part is that you get to share that joy and love with others!
4. You are part of a larger community of believers.
The nature of our church is connectional. You don't have to do ministry alone. We
are here to celebrate one another and support each other in times of need. For
example, did you know that Jairo Gay was named teacher of the year at his school? Did you know B.J. Bowers has completed 18 semesters of Course of Study? Did you know Sid Bream was at a Wednesday Night Supper at Griffin FUMC? We have a lot to celebrate beyond our local church. The next time you feel overwhelmed
with the task ahead of you, remember how wide and how deep and how high the love of Christ is in this world.
5. You can make a difference in the world
Making a difference in the world is one of the most rewarding things a person can
do. Whether it's through volunteering, donating money, or just spreading
kindness, every little bit helps. And the great thing is, you don't have to be a
certain type of church or pastor to make a difference. You can start making a
difference today, with whatever you have. All it takes is a little effort and
determination.
Thankfulness is one of the most important attitudes we can have as Christians. It
reminds us of all that God has done for us and it opens our hearts to receive
even more blessings from Him. When we are thankful, it changes how we see
the world and how we interact with others. We become more compassionate and
forgiving, and less likely to complain about small things. So this month, let's be
thankful for our calling and all the wonderful blessings that come with it!

While local churches are in the process of selecting delegates to the 2023 Annual Conference, the district is seeking At Large Delegates.  The SouthWest District is responsible for the following delegates:
6 Youth (ages 14-18)
8 Young Adults (ages 19-35)
1 LaGrange College Representative
29 Adults