This Thursday when we gather as a family, we do so in a new home in a new town in a new state. So I asked for the list of “things we are thankful for” a little early.
The nine year old is grateful for the roof over our heads. Her mother is grateful that the construction projects under said roof are almost at an end.
The eleven year old is grateful that we are together under one roof again, having lived apart from February through June. She added that she is also grateful that the house in Delaware sold so quickly (to which her parents nodded in agreement).
The ten year old if grateful for new friends and her new school while the seven year old is just grateful for everything.
Dad is grateful that he gets to go to a job he loves every day and return home to a family he loves even more.
This week, may you gather with those you love, ignore politics, and talk about family, friends, good health, and important things, like whether cranberries should be served with or without the berries.
Let us reflect together:
To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.
Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.
― Thomas Merton