Thanksgiving Never EndsArchbishop Jerome E. Listecki
At this time ofyear, our thoughtsbegin to turn toapple cider, cozysweaters andraking leaves.Thanksgiving isjust around thecorner. Almosteveryone hasone or moreThanksgiving traditions that they holddear. Besides the traditional familydinner, there’s usually a family tagfootball game, watching a favorite movieor going on a hike. Also, an extra dabof whipped cream on the pumpkin pie.
Thanksgiving is also a wonderfultime to start new traditions that reflectour gratitude to God for the bounty hehas entrusted to us. We can make thistime of year a springboard for livingthe heart of stewardship by makingthis day even more special. Here aresome suggestions:
• Go to Mass and count yourblessings. In your prayer, reflecton three or four qualities or talentsyou have been blessed with in yourlife. Then, reflect on how youcan best be a “steward” of thesegifts, sharing them with others.
• Write “I’m thankful for you”cards and give them to familymembers and friends. E-mailworks, too! Even a short note ofappreciation can go a long way.
• Share your thanksgiving mealwith someone who is alone thisyear. Look for a neighbor, coworker,fellow parishioner, collegestudent or armed servicespersonnel who may be separatedfrom family, and ask them tojoin you.
• Help someone. Extend yourgenerosity and blessings beyondyour immediate family and friends.Be part of an adopt-a-family effort,distribute food baskets or servedinner at a shelter.
• Take a hike. Find a place to enjoyGod’s gift of creation. Invite othersto share the experience and thewonders of nature.
• Most importantly, focus on thethings you are most grateful for– the things you most appreciateabout your life, yourself andothers, and remember the Sourceof all gifts.
Thanksgiving Day is every day in theheart of a faithful steward. After all, lifeitself is a gift – every day, every minute,every breath. For good stewards,gratitude is a state of being, a dailyresponse, a gift of grace.This Thanksgiving Day, let us askGod to bless us with hearts buoyantwith thanksgiving each and every dayof our lives.
Have a wonderful and blessedThanksgiving!