As we celebrate on this Thanksgiving Day holiday, may we appreciate those who make up the fabric of our lives and remember to be grateful for all that we have.
The Story
Many years ago, an elderly pastor was famous for his pulpit prayers. He always found something to thank God for, even in bad times. One stormy Sunday morning, when everything was going extremely bad in the community and in the lives of many people in the congregation, himself included, he stepped to the pulpit to pray. A parishioner thought to himself, “The pastor will have nothing to thank God for on a wretched morning like this.” The pastor began his prayer, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.”
The Meaning
Often times in life, we get hung up on all of the bad stuff that surrounds us. It could be a global crisis (like a pandemic) or a natural disaster. It may be something happening to an acquaintance or someone in our immediate family. It could very well be an event that is only affecting our own self. Whatever it may be, it seems to consume all our being.
It’s times like these when we need to take a step back, breathe, and remember that “this too shall pass.” Even though we seem to be walking through the bitter valley, we need to remember that it is always darkest before the dawn.
When we feel like we are being dragged through the mud or when things look bleak, we are not alone. Jesus is standing right with us in our suffering and pain. That is the perfect time to remember to be thankful for the fact that it will not always be this way.
The Prayer
I would like to share this prayer of thanksgiving. May it always remind us that even though we may suffer in various ways, we should always be thankful for all that we have received.
Loving Creator,
We asked for strength, and you gave us difficulties to make us strong.
We asked for wisdom, and you gave us problems to solve.
We asked for prosperity, and you gave us purpose and brains to use.
We asked for courage, and you gave us fears to overcome.
We asked for patience, and you gave us situations where we were forced to wait.
We asked for love, and you gave us troubled people to help.
We asked for justice, and you called us to be just and to lead with integrity.
Lord, we have received nothing that we asked for or wanted.
And yet, we received everything that we needed.
For this, we give thanks. Amen. (Written by Dr. Colleen Hanycz, President, Xavier University)
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18
May you and your family have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.
We should always be thankful for our family. Click here to find out why.
