A gratitude list is worth the effort

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, our American holiday to celebrate a time when folks got things really right: two groups with different cultures, religions, talents, and stories who managed to talk, learn, help and promise together. We could even say three groups, since about half the Mayflower passengers weren’t Puritan Separatists but “Strangers,” regular Englishmen looking for adventure (My husband’s mother traces her ancestry to barrel-maker John Alden, one of the Strangers on the Mayflower and whose marriage to Priscilla Mullins was the first in the new world.). Sharing food is an intimate collaboration; I know I take my presented meals personally and seriously. The men competed in sports, the women swapped recipes, and all their children played games. Our kids need to know this story well. What a time to recollect, honor and celebrate!

It sometimes feels disingenuous to make a gratitude list, thinking of those less fortunate in a crazy world; as if dancing away from thankfulness somehow makes others feel better. But this is not so. I am grateful for things in my life both big and small, both spiritual and temporal; and to acknowledge them presents concrete examples of what to share, which is the whole point of the day.

I am thankful for my good husband, who works hard for us and who doesn’t get grim when school projects cover the table and our supper is set on a blanket in the living room.

I am thankful for my children, who love me even though they never, ever remember to leave their boots in the garage.

I am thankful for God, who is love and grace and mercy and presence and power – and more.

I am thankful for our priest, who gives us the sacraments and explains our Holy Faith with the love of Jesus.

I am thankful for the Eucharist (Greek for thanksgiving), the body and blood of my dear Lord.

I am thankful for modern medicine, hospitals, and doctors, who are driven to give us the best of care.

I am thankful for a credit card, which allowed me to get our old vehicle repaired immediately after breaking down last week.

I am thankful for this town of mine, where a lady looked around the coffee shop and interrupted me, knowing I was the driver of the van with the flat tire.

I am thankful to be an American.

It may feel goofy to make a gratitude list, but do try this Thursday. There is always something. William Bradford wrote that they “had all things in good plenty” after that first harvest, although they surely missed their loved ones who had passed away. He also said, “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by his hand that made all things out of nothing and gives being to all things that are, and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many.” If they could focus on gratitude in the midst of adversity, then so can we.

“Lord we thank you for the goodness of our people and for the spirit of justice that fills this nation. We thank you for the beauty and fullness of the land and the challenge of the cities. We thank you for our work and for our rest, for one another, and for our homes. We thank you, Lord; accept our thanksgiving on this day. We pray and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord (from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers).”

From the Mass’ Scripture readings tomorrow: “And now, bless the God of all who has done wondrous things on earth; who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb, and fashions them according to his will! May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; may his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days (Sirach 50:22-24).”

And the psalm we will sing is number 145: “I will praise your name forever, my Lord and my God. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works.”

We will praise your name forever. We are willing to share. Holy Spirit, speak to our hearts to know who, and where, and what. We are grateful.