Week of November 14, 2001
Debby B.

"Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation."
     Psalm 111:1

I have always loved Thanksgiving, a holiday established for the sole purpose of thanking God for our many blessings. When I was a youngster I remember that it started with tracing our little hands on a piece of paper to create a simple turkey, and then listing the things we were thankful for on each finger feather. When I was older the list became a required essay of gratitude. As an adult as I prepared for Thanksgiving I have always taken time to list my many blessing and give thanks to God for each of them.

This year, as in the past, I have many things to be thankful for, but this year I do not want to write them on finger feathers, extol them in an essay, or list them to God as I peel onions, or scrub carrots. This year I must honestly say that I want to hide my blessings, keep them in my own heart. I am confused, when the very blessings that give me joy also fill me with guilt. How can I boldly proclaim all the wonderful things that God has provided to me, when so many others are suffering? I do not know the answer, but I seek it. This Thanksgiving I will follow the psalmist, I will stand in the company of God's children, I will enter the house of the Lord, and I will give thanks to Almighty God with my whole heart. I will pray to the Lord to help and guide me, and I will be thankful for each of you that stand beside me.

Dear Lord,
Thank you!
Amen

Contributed by Debra B.
Published Monday November 19, 2001
Week 52 of Liturgical Year C