Thanksgiving began as a celebration by the pilgrims and native Americans who came together to acknowledge peace and gratitude. Today we traditionally celebrate with a large feast including turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie and many other dishes besides!
When my 23 year old son was 3, we started a tradition. Whoever we gathered with, no matter where we were celebrating, we wrote down what we were thankful for. I put those writings into a book to reflect upon as years passed by. The responses from the kids have ranged from humorous to inspiring.
This week in my parish bulletin, my priest wrote a whole page of what he was thankful for. They included simple pleasures – sitting by a fire, Milky Ways, Anthony Rizzo, chili, chicken noodle soup, a home, faith, great mentors, hugs, warm shower, Bluetooth, sleep, rainbows…. his list goes on and on.
What do we have in common with this partial list? Well other than those who are not Cub fans who adore Anthony Rizzo, for both his baseball skills and his humanitarian efforts, most will have access to his list of blessings. They are simple things. Look around you now. What do you see?
So often we do not even notice things and we take them for granted. Do you notice the warm shower, the towel to dry, the coffee pot, your home, car, computer, phone, job, family (even those who annoy you!), food, plates, television, and so on and so on?
This Thanksgiving, I challenge you to look at the simple things! Acknowledge them and fill yourself with gratitude! And see how your world changes and your blessings grow!
May your path be full of Thanksgiving!