Thanksgiving...

More Than a Day….

Carla Mae Streeter, OP

‘Tis the month of Thanksgiving. It’s also the time of harvest, not only from the fields but in the community we call church. We gather the harvest of the fields, and we are approaching the end of Ordinary Time. This long series of weeks in the church’s celebration of time is the time of greening, the time of growth from the Paschal Mystery. The Easter glow is like Sonshine, cultivating the fruits of the Spirit in our souls.

But thanksgiving for all the richness of field and human flourishing is not just for a day. It can be a way…of life. Scripture says it best: “In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1Thess. 5:18) Now I don’t know about you, but a typical response to this is, “You’ve got to be kidding! Give thanks for a cancer diagnosis, for someone rear-ending me?” Yes. Scripture doesn’t mince words: “In all circumstances…”

So for the past three years I’ve been trying this “in all circumstances…” thing. The results amaze me. I keep a little notebook at my bedside, and the last thing I do before falling off to sleep is enter the date, and jot down little phrases for all I’m thankful for from that day. I go off to sleep full of gratitude. I also catch myself better during the day, and in tough spots I find myself surprisingly calm. You can’t get too fussed up if you are trying to say “Thank you.” Most of all, I find myself growing in a sense of proportion. I can be very good at making mountains out of mole hills. So, if this is the will of God for me, then I can at least take it seriously. I think it’s producing good fruit. So for me, this year I won’t just be celebrating Thanksgiving Day, but a Thanksgiving way…while I enjoy my pumpkin pie.

Most generous God,

You surround me with gifts from your overflowing heart.

I often take them for granted.

I’m given a special day this month to thank you in a special way.

But maybe I can do better than that.

You call me to come to that banquet

Where you give me your very self to grow my own risen life.

Thank you for taking me so seriously.

Help me to take you seriously in every event that happens in my life.

You have counted every hair on my head.

Fill my heart with trustful gratitude.

This year transform my Thanksgiving Day into a

Thanksgiving Way.

Amen.