On November 28th of this year the people of the United States of America will honor the holiday of Thanksgiving. This day of celebration is surrounded by legend and story going back to the 1600’s in remembrance of the arrival of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower.

For some people this holiday has certain traditions that are part of the celebration for them. As a child I remember that Thanksgiving was connected to the gathering of family and friends, turkey, homemade dressing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie to name a few. Of course, there was the Macy parade and the football games all of which determined when the big meal would be served. Oh yes, deer season also played a role in the day’s planning.

As I reflect now on this holiday my thoughts take me in a different direction. In those moments of silence and reflection I find myself listing the many people and things for which I am grateful. The list begins with family and friends who are so very supportive and dear to me in my life and who have been there through thick and thin. I also reflect on the beautiful world in which we live and the wonder of creation and God’s amazing, caring love. I am grateful for the compassion shown to those in need along with the ability to learn, grow, and discover the new all around me. Recently, as a post-surgery cancer patient I was grateful for the news of clear margins and no chemotherapy needed. The beauty of the sunrise and sunset at the beginning and end of each day brings wonder to my life.

So many things that are sometimes taken for granted, hopefully cherished, always reminders to be thankful.

My thoughts bring me to the experience of Eucharist, a term based on a Greek word (eucharista) meaning thanksgiving. We gather in prayer, praise and thanksgiving for all the blessings, gifts and experience of life we are given by the one who loves us beyond all time and place.

I find myself pondering — How do I look at life, react to events, how would I like to see myself and others? There is a saying that I heard a while ago that was good for me to remember. That saying was about developing an attitude of gratitude for all of life. As I reflect on this Thanksgiving Day –wherever I may be and with whomever I shall be –I pray that it may be filled with that attitude of gratitude for which I strive.  

My hope, for each of us this Thanksgiving Day, is that we find time and space for moments of reflection on the blessings of our lives and a bit of an attitude of gratitude for love and goodness received.

Happy Thanksgiving!

– Netty Johnson, SSND