Stones of Appreciation. A sermon on Joshua 4: 1 – 9

A sermon on Joshua 4: 1-9

The Call to Gratitude

Here’s a fun fact: The Bible contains nearly 200 verses that are either commands or instructions to express gratitude. If you combine that with the fact that there are hundreds of references to offerings and sacrifices in the Bible that imply gratitude, you might get the impression that it is important.

But why is God so concerned with our expressions of gratitude? Is the almighty so insecure that a constant flow of affirmation is required to sustain the universe? Or is it for our benefit?

Modern science affirms what scripture has long taught: gratitude transforms lives. Studies reveal regular gratitude practices boost happiness, reduce stress, and foster resilience. It’s not money, success, or security is the key to happiness—it’s gratitude. Gratitude trains our brains not to focus on the negative. It elevates us. God’s command to be thankful isn’t about divine ego but human flourishing. Gratitude is the light that guides us out of the darkness.

A Moment of Transition

Today, our scripture from Joshua 4 recounts the Israelites’ long-awaited entry into the Promised Land. After 40 years in the wilderness, God instructs them to pause and gather stones from the Jordan River as a memorial.

Imagine the scene: weary feet stepping onto dry land, hearts pounding with excitement and trepidation. God tells them, “Wait. Before moving forward, mark this moment. Place stones of remembrance here so future generations will know how far you’ve come.”

Like those Israelites, we stand at life’s thresholds—grateful for the past, yet anxious about the future. Their stones of appreciation remind us that even when we aren’t where we hope to be, we should celebrate how far we’ve already come.

The stone of appreciation.

Dayna and I walk up Signal Hill most mornings. There is a paved promenade walkway with stunning panoramic views and glorious sunrises. On either end of the promenade are stone pillars with concrete slabs on top. One of the pillars we call the stone of appreciation. The idea is that we pause at the stone, put our hands on it, and tell each other something we appreciate about each other. But you are supposed to come up with something new for every walk.

At the other end of the walkway is the stone of seething. If you need to get something off your chest, instead of letting it fester, say it and deal with it. We seldom use the stone of seething (I’m not that stupid!). But the stone of appreciation is mandatory every time we walk by.

At first, I chose personality traits to appreciate. “I appreciate the way you care so deeply for people. I appreciate your attention to detail. I appreciate that you manage to smile despite my constant barrage of bad dad jokes.” She is more practical. “Dave, I appreciate that you put away the dishes. Dave, I appreciate that you made the coffee.” It seemed a little uneven. But over time it evened out. We’ve been doing it for over three years. Honestly, it’s difficult to come up with something new every day. But that is the point.

Here’s what that practice has taught me so far.

1. When you do it every day you have to pay attention. There are some mornings when I get up there and put my hand on the stone and I’m like, “Uhhh. What did you do yesterday? I don’t know. To have an answer, you have to get particular and pay attention to the small things.   If we are to express gratitude to God every day it requires paying attention, noticing things and to do that you can’t be navel gazing, absorbed in your own stuff but looking out.   When you are in a regular practice of gratitude you don’t have to worry if during Thanksgiving, they make everyone say something you are grateful for and you are at the tail end of the table and everyone else takes the low hanging fruit. “I’m grateful for family, for food, for freedom, for health, for a job.” And then it gets to you. “I’m thankful for, um…. indoor plumbing?
2. It really feels good to receive and express appreciation. You noticed! The joy you can bring to someone for taking a moment to show you see what they are really about and trying to do gives you the good feels for the whole day. Appreciation isn’t just a warm fuzzy feeling; it strengthens relationships. It’s a ripple effect—a pebble dropped into the pond of daily life that extends far beyond the moment.
3. It challenges me to up my game. I don’t want her looking at me saying, “Uhhh, I dunno. Did you do anything?” It makes me think about what am I going to do today that is going to be stone worthy. How can I be intentional.

I’d highly recommend that you find some ritual that helps you be intentional about building gratitude into your life as a daily practice.

Our transition period at church.

When I think about those Israelites crossing the Jordan, at their transition point I think about our parallels with the Israelites as we are entering into our 100^th year of ministry and service to this community. There is much to be grateful for in our past even though there are challenges ahead. And like the people in the wilderness we know that God didn’t bring us this far to be done now. God’s promises are still ahead. The folks arranging our 100^th anniversary celebration have talked about getting some kind of a stone marker on the building to celebrate. A stone of appreciation.

A Pastor’s Gratitude: Stones of Appreciation

Also, this week marks my 10th year of ministry here at Bay Shore Church, and my heart overflows with gratitude. Allow me to lay down these stones of appreciation—each one a testament to who you are and what you make possible.

• For entrusting me with this calling: You welcomed me into your lives, sharing your hopes and struggles, your laughter and tears. Together, we have walked through valleys and climbed to mountaintops.
• For living your faith boldly: In our church, lives are transformed. With our programs and Twelve-step groups people get their lives back. Families are restored. The lost find hope. Sometimes it makes the difference for someone not getting behind the wheel when they shouldn’t. Our church saves lives—literally and spiritually.
• For raising the next generation: Through scouting, teaching, and mentoring, you instill values that echo God’s own heart: kindness, courage, and care.
• For your love of music and the arts: Each note sung, each bell rung, lifts our spirits and draws us closer to the divine. Julie’s leadership has been a symphony, and you’ve played your parts beautifully.
• For your generosity: You give with of your time open hands and open hearts. You bake casseroles, teach children, balance budgets, and care for this beautiful facility.
• For your resilience: When storms have come—both literal and figurative—you’ve stood strong. Remember COVID? In grief, you’ve comforted. In sickness, you’ve served. You rise together, a community bound by grace.
• For your willingness to grow: You honor tradition while stepping boldly into the future. A new senior’s ministry? Let’s try it. Attracting new families? Let’s make it happen. ONA? You are not afraid to adapt when God calls.
• For the way you care for one another: A phone call, a ride, a warm smile in the pews—these small acts are the heartbeat of this congregation. You remind me that love is not a feeling; it’s a choice we make daily.
• For showing up: Even on the hard days, you come. You show up in faith, in fellowship, and in service. Showing up matters, and you inspire each other to do it. You never know the ripple effects of how your showing up will inspire someone else.
• For your grace and humility: In a world that celebrates selfishness, you choose kindness and generosity. In a culture that rewards arrogance, you practice compassion. You are proof that humility is strength.
• For your diversity of thought: You’ve built a church where no one needs to check their mind at the door. You listen, you learn, and you grow. Here, unity is not conformity—it’s communion.
• For your humor: Even when my jokes fall flat, you humor me with a polite laugh. In your laughter, I hear God’s delight.
• For being my partners on this journey: Ministry is not something I do alone—it’s something we do together. You’ve been my rock, my inspiration, and my joy.

Each touch of the stone bears your name. Together, you form a foundation of faith, hope, and love.

• When I see your faith, I see strength.
• When I hear your laughter, I hear joy.
• When I feel your care, I feel Christ.

This congregation shines like the morning sun, and I am endlessly grateful to walk this journey with you. My list is a mile long. What’s on yours?

Stone of seething.

Now, over to the stone of seething. What? You didn’t think I was that stupid, did you? Wait. I’ve got one that will apply to some of you. Open your newsletter so you won’t have to wait until the last minute to sign up for stuff like the Christmas dinner, and COA sign-up and making your poinsettia order. Take the initiative; don’t make us worry.

 Call to action: blue cards.

Now it’s your turn. You have a blue card in your bulletin. Write something specific that you are grateful for today, at this minute. It doesn’t have to be a large concept, it can be something more practical but from the heart and put it in the offering plate as your offering of appreciation to God from whom all blessings flow. Amen.