Thanksgiving Day

 

We have been reflecting on love this week.  Love’s relative, gratitude, is good to get to know today.  I recently read this from the website Salt,

“But there’s perhaps no better day than Thanksgiving to reflect on the astounding power of gratitude itself — and accordingly, to commit ourselves to cultivating it more intentionally in the coming year.  If we think of “gratitude” primarily as a kind of duty to discharge (Now remember to write that thank-you note!), we’re missing the boat entirely, effectively reducing one of life’s wonders to mere good manners. On the contrary, gratitude is vital force in the world, a profoundly dignifying act that builds relationships, communities, and healthy human hearts. The science on this subject is overwhelming: in study after study, gratitude has been shown to lead to stronger relationships, better sleep, lower blood pressure, fewer trips to the doctor, fewer depressive symptoms, more patience, and more perseverance, among other benefits…our all-too-common tendency to focus on the obstacles in our lives (headwinds) and overlook blessings (tailwinds), an imbalance that over time leads to feeling aggrieved and resentful. In short, focusing on headwinds breeds bitterness; focusing on tailwinds breeds appreciation — and the act of thanksgiving helps call our attention to the winds at our backs.”

Gratitude and love go together like pumpkin pie and cool whip.  Gratitude and love hang out encouraging each other joyfully. 

I pray that your list of love hasn’t felt like a demand or duty, but a holy invitation.  I pray that today you will feel a gratitude of God’s grace stirring and swirling with you.

I know this Thanksgiving is different and difficult for many.  I know for some grief is mixed with gratitude.  I know there is feelings of frustration because you cannot be physically with family because of the virus.  I know that for some reading this the emotional stew of family causes anger or brokenness, not love.

Gratitude or love are not some sugary frosting that cover over the pain.  Gratitude and love are willing to listen and lean into the pain.  Gratitude and love won’t argue against the brokenness or bitterness.  Rather, these constant companions are patient as we process the pain, get it out in words that can feel inadequate, but are all we have. 

Today, I pray you will be honest about what is in your heart.  I pray you will name and notice the obstacles that can feel insurmountable in the face of this year’s edition of Thanksgiving.  I pray that as you do, God’s love will start to surround you in such a sacred way that even giving voice to our pain might always open you and me to the constant love in our lives for which I give thanks. 

May God’s love be with you today now more than ever.

Prayer:  Holy One sit with me on the sideline as I name and notice what weighs heavy on my heart, then lead me by the hand out to the dance floor where we can move in holy ways with love and thanksgiving.  Amen.