Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Phoebe uses the metaphor of a dancer's focus point to illuminate a profound spiritual truth: we need God as our anchor in the spinning, chaotic motion of life. Just as a ballerina must fix her eyes on a single point to maintain balance during turns, we must keep our spiritual focus on what truly matters to avoid falling. The sermon introduces gratitude as that essential focus point, particularly during a month dedicated to cultivating thankfulness. We are reminded that gratitude isn't just polite behavior—it's a spiritual discipline that opens our eyes to see God everywhere. The liberating truth is that gratitude is the antidote to disappointment, a warm blanket for our souls that protects us from life's harsh winds. Most importantly, Rev. Phoebe reminds us that even the best dancers fall, and even the most faithful among us lose focus. The beauty of our faith is that God offers gratitude freely and forgives us when we stumble, always inviting us back to the dance.