Weekly Meditation – November 17, 2025
by Rev. Canon Franklin S. H. Chun –
We are very blessed this week to have a meditation from the Rev. Canon Franklin S.H. Chun. Father Franklin Chun is a priest in the Hawaii Episcopal Diocese and serves as chaplain to the retired clergy. He is co-author of Da Jesus Book, a translation of the Bible into pidgin. He is a tireless advocate for the poor and the oppressed. And this week, we are very blessed and thankful to have him share his thoughts in this thanksgiving season!
Here is Father Chun’s meditation:
I have a confession . . . There have been times when I have forgotten to give thanks! Auwe! And, there have been times when I should’ve counted my blessings, but I didn’t. To which my Chinese grandfather would say, “Ai-yah!” I liken it to those dilemmas where you see one thing, and somehow overlook the other, more positive side. For example, the chalice at the altar may be half-empty. Ah yes, but did you take into account that it is also half-full!
In this new season of Thanksgiving then, let’s challenge ourselves to give thanks by focusing on the more positive. Here’s a very short list of examples, which someone had earlier shared with me:
My eyesight is poor. But ITG (I thank God) that I’m not yet blind.
A new gray hair? ITG. A friend in chemo has no hair at all.
In church, some of you sing off-key. But ITG, because it means that I still have my hearing.
My family lives with me. ITG, because some may be without close-ones living nearby.
The alarm awakens me in the morning. ITG that, like Ebeneezer Scrooge, I am still alive, and I can even ponder what life is all about!
Aching muscles and weariness at the end of the day? ITG. It means that I have been productive.
Hearing all the complaining about the present administration, ITG, because it means that we still have freedom of speech!
Should you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness and smallness. Thank God! Things could be worse — You could be one of them!
I may not have all I want, but ITG that I have all I need
Count your blessings, and give thanks to God! (see Scripture below) — Frank
The Rev. Canon Franklin S.H. Chun
From the Hawaii Pidgin Bible, Da Good An Spesho Book:
“Neva mind da fig tree no mo bud; Neva mind da grape plant no mo grape; Neva mind da olive tree no mo da olive; Neva mind da fields no mo food. Neva mind da sheep mahke, an da pens no mo cows . . . I still yet goin stay gud inside, cuz God goin get me outa trouble!” (Habakkuk taik fo God 3:17-18)
English Standard Version:
“Even though the fig trees have no fruit, and no grapes grow on the vines; Though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no grain; And even though the sheep all die, and the cattle stalls are empty . . . I will still be joyful and thankful, because God is my savior!” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
