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The insanity of retails big day of gluttony, "Black Friday", threatens to put a quick end to our Thanksgiving holiday; and yet its sentiments and insights are essential to the healthy menu of our everyday life. So, a buffet of Thanksgiving goodies seems an appropriate follow-up to our Thanksgiving Day feast.
* Advertising professionals tell us that you have to say "thank you" 17 times before a person 'hears it once! In a busy age, a prosperous nation and a culture driven by consumerism, thats a challenge! Feeling so 'entitled, gratitude many times goes out the window! It takes a conscious, diligent effort to work at gratitude.
My twin sister, Debs rule for her 2 kids growing up applies: "Write and send a thank you note before you begin to use the gift!" And we all know that those loving little notes become more treasured than most gifts we've received, right?!
* Many folks in the parish tell me that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday. They like its simplicity – no gifts, no cards, no tree, no commercial 'hype – just food, drink and folks "being together...the best thing" as my 88-year old Mom says! So why do we let it slip away so fast?
And why dont we model Christmas and other celebrations more closely on this format which is so satisfying? Modest, even homemade gifts, promises of kindness, families drawing names and fewer material gifts – what great ways to keep the focus on Gods gift of Jesus and Jesus gift of Himself for us!
* From a group of bishops from poor nations – "We shall truly become Christians on that day when we weep – not because weve lost something, but because we realize that we have been given so much." Even in the losses of these times of economic recession, unemployment and financial straits, we have so much! And if we share, we have all that is essential, since God has already given enough at the beginning!
For us who are Christians, the death and resurrection of Jesus confirms, that even when our earthly life is 'lost, another door is opened by Gods beautiful and powerful mercy and love! We have indeed been blessed to be called in Jesus Christ!
* The old practice of "counting our blessings" is a good way to reset our clocks from self-pity, depression or moodiness. Try it - every day – just 10 blessings which you treasure. Such awareness confirms hope and optimism, even amidst challenge!
* Allow yourself to be formed by the needs of others. Monsignor Jack Egan from, Chicago gave us these 'marching orders at seminary graduation years ago. If we can respond, the plight of others demands that we do something and allow ourselves to be conformed to service. True gratitude brings forth compassion and service for others! Look at the homeless shelters, giving trees and food pantries which are bringing out the best in us these days! This is gratitude-in-action!
* Gratitude heals and cultivates delight. When my niece and nephew were young, wed go to Dairy Queen for a treat. Theyd fight and squabble like kids do. But when Ryan went to throw his trash away and from inside the bin came a deep, slow electronic voice: "Thank You!" he was surprised and delighted! He came back to take Uncle Tims trash so he could hear it again! And despite their squabbles, he even grabbed his sister, Nicoles trash so he could hear gratitude yet again! Giving thanks causes delight and reconciles us with one another! Giving thanks applies even when enemies are kind!
* "If the only prayer you ever say in your life is 'Thank You, that would suffice," observed 13th century Dominican, Meister Eckhart. To put thanksgiving, not petition – at the front end of our praying has the power to change our hearts.
* "Eucharist" means "Thanksgiving" in Greek. The Mass, the Lords Supper, Sunday worship keep us – 1 day out of every 7 – in this great pattern, and "attitude of gratitude". The Word, Holy Communion, the good example of each other – they all fit us with the strength to live the Gospel, and the mercy to bridge the gap when we fall short! Its a 'win-win situation! And "Thanks be to God" for that!
So even after the day – and every day - enjoy a little Thanksgiving buffet! |
