Travel, cleaning, preparation, sleeping arrangements, laundry, and mental anxiety. And don’t forget the turkey and all of the trimmings. Add to all of this “normal” Thanksgiving stress the dread and anxiety associated with reuniting with family members who might not share the same religious beliefs or political opinions, or who fester a lifetime of pain and anger and it can make for a LONG day.
What about those suffering from a lost job, economic instability, death of a loved one, or a new diagnosis of cancer? Tragic, life-altering events don’t just disappear because it is a “special” day on the calendar. Sometimes, it seems worse during the holidays.
A woman I spoke to recently admitted that she found it hard to give thanks when everything in her life seemed to be falling apart. Even though she could find gratitude in the small things like the fact that her car starts when she needs to go to work, and that she has health insurance and can visit a doctor when needed, she was still left feeling helpless and lacking the depth of gratitude that she felt was “necessary” on Thanksgiving.
Let’s expand our story to a country devastated by a harsh season of weather that drastically changed their entire way of living and threatened the possibility of extinction. Outbreaks of contagious disease plagued them. Each day, they faced the harsh deaths of those around them, a death not dedicated to only adults, but one inclusive of women, children, and even some of the animals and wildlife surrounding them.
In a gesture of friendship and community, another group of peoples came to provide aid, helping to alleviate a great deal of tragedy. These people did not all share the same religious beliefs OR political views. Their ways of life were very different, as were their traditions and beliefs, but a relationship was formed.
I guess in the modern day, I could be talking about Haiti and all of the devastation that has fallen upon the people this year. But, I am actually speaking of the first Pilgrims that ventured to what would later become the United States.
The Indians showed the Pilgrims how to plant crops and harvest on the new lands. The blessings of their new friends and successful crops brought the Pilgrims to their knees in gratitude to God. Despite their hardships and differences, the Indians and the Pilgrims came together to give thanks for all of the blessings abundantly bestowed, EVEN IN THE MIDST OF TRAGEDY and hardship.
How many of you reading this are also facing hardships this year?
If I were to ask any Christian what Christmas was about, 99.9% of the time, the answer would be “Christ’s birth.” Same with Easter, as “Christ’s death and resurrection.” But ask that same person about the meaning of Thanksgiving, and you will probably get an answer along the lines of “Um…Indians, Pilgrims, and cranberry sauce?”
Of course, that is modern day celebration. Foundationally, the heart and spirit of Thanksgiving developed from Christians wanting to express heartfelt gratitude to the Lord, Our God for the abundant gifts received.
So, this year, set your mind to putting aside your despair, anger or pain for the day. Don’t allow your worries to haunt your mind, instead hand them to Christ.
When you look at those who may normally test your patience and tolerance, instead see in them the creatures that God so wonderfully and joyfully made.
This year, open your heart and let’s join together in a harmony of praise to Our Creator God.
May you enjoy the peace and love of the Holy Spirit this Thanksgiving!
In prayer, we say:
O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen. (Samuel F. Pugh)
Tags: bon secours, catholic sisters, Catholics give thanks, God's call, Good Help
