Last night, our community came together for a cherished tradition: our Thanksgiving Dinner. As we shared a meal, we also shared our hearts, expressing the things we’re most thankful for. A recurring theme emerged: opportunity.
This morning, listening to Francesca Battistelli’s Motion of Mercy, I couldn’t help but reflect on how opportunities go beyond the surface. They’re not just chances to do things differently; they’re invitations to redefine the why behind our actions.
"That's the motion of mercy
Changing the way and the why we are
That's the motion of mercy
Moving my heart
Now I'm filled by love that calls me to action
I was empty before, now I'm drawn to compassion
And to give myself away."
— Motion of Mercy by Francesca Battistelli
For many individuals in our program, the “why” has shifted. It’s no longer about instant gratification or quick fixes. Instead, it’s rooted in something far greater—the grace they’ve received from God.
At Next Chapter, whether we’re staff, volunteers, or residents, we recognize that we are all called to action. But our calling isn’t about chasing the satisfaction of helping someone. No, that can only leave us disappointed or hurting in the end. It’s about embracing the opportunity to reach the lost, to extend compassion, and to reflect the grace we’ve been shown.
Why? Because each of us has experienced compassion, often when we didn’t deserve it or weren’t ready for it. This compassion came from others and, more importantly, from the Lord—a compassion so profound that it transforms hearts and lives.
This Thanksgiving season, we’re not just grateful for the blessings we’ve received. We’re thankful for the new opportunities to go out and make a difference, fueled by the grace and compassion that first reached us.
Here’s to new opportunities and a renewed “why.”