Learning thanks in tough economic times

Friday is that long anticipated sixth day of the week. It signals a transition from the routine of work to the respite of the weekend. It arrives with a predictable dependability in the seven-day cycle we call a week. The 52 weeks of each year are one of several structured cycles with which we govern our lives and count our days. But not all weeks or Fridays are created equal.

Some of the most welcomed and celebrated Fridays include Casual Friday and Good Friday. Each is a window into our human experience.

Good Friday is an annual reminder that evil exists and persists in an imperfect world. Casual Friday celebrates the simple pleasures of being able to wear jeans to work.

And maybe TGIF, the cultural expression associated with Friday, sums it up. Whichever form of Friday we face, we are called to be thankful.

The term TGIF was originated by the Akron, Ohio, disk jockey Jerry Healy on radio station WAKR in the early 1970s. The phrase has also become an advertising and promotional theme as well as the name of a national chain of restaurants. In our current economic downturn we all hope for an upturn in the economy and a return of the laid off to the work force in our communities and congregations. We hope for a turnaround in the global economy, knowing that millions are suffering far worse than we are in the West. What other lessons might we build from the acronym TGIF?

TGIF: Trusting God In spite of Finances
Maybe certain parts of western Christianity have tied financial prosperity too closely to God’s primary means of blessing. A theology rooted in monetary wealth and prosperity is suspect, to say the least, as we read the words of the prophets and Jesus. We may do well to encourage our members to count the blessings in their life that are depreciation-proof. Consider all the blessings not linked to the human manipulation of stocks and bonds and Wall Street insider activity.

TGIF: Truly Generous, Intentionally Faithful
Who of us can say we have ever given until it hurts—sacrificial giving like the Macedonians described in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. Who of us can count on more than one hand or finger, times we have given sacrificially to help another, not knowing if our own needs would be met in return. The worst response this current economic situation can do to us is to cause us to hoard and neglect those hurting far more than ourselves. Maybe others have made bad choices, and are paying for those decisions now. But their fear and pain is real, and God calls us to be generous and demonstrate trust and faith that God will provide for us even as we share with others.

TGIF: Thank God It’s Family time
Since budgets are tight, let’s return to the idea of the church as an important center of not only our spiritual life but our social circle. How about reclaiming one night of the week as family night—with our nuclear family or church family. Why not popcorn and a movie hosted in our homes or at church. Since $9 for a movie ticket was never good stewardship anyhow, why not combine relaxing entertainment with Christian fellowship: Friday night pot lucks, dessert buffets and table games with children, youth and adults all together. In recent years many of us have gone from meeting three times a week as church families to barely one. One night per week to reconnect with brothers and sisters may be just what the Scriptures ordered (Hebrews 10:25) and what tight economics dictate. We have become increasingly disconnected with ever-intensive schedules and growing affluence. Thank God it’s never too late to reclaim former values and practices.

Tony Campolo made famous the phrase “It’s Friday But Sunday’s A Comin’.” In this sermon Campolo reflects on the lessons of an African-American pastor, who reminds his congregation that God will have his day. Good Friday will pass, and Easter Sunday will lay claim to the hope of the resurrection, which cannot and will not experience depreciation or foreclosure.

I’m looking forward to Sunday—to an upturn in the lives of people who have lost homes and jobs and a sense of peace concerning the future. But I don’t want to rush through the lessons of Friday too quickly. There is much to learn of our God and ourselves in each day and experience that comes our way. Thank God for all Fridays—the Good and the Casual.

Beryl Jantzi, Harrisonburg Va., is stewardship education director at Mennonite Mutual Aid.