October 2009

“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will concerning you” is St. Paul’s word to the Christians of Thessalonica in particular, but to all Christians in every time and place as well. Note that Paul says we are to give thanks in every situation, not necessarily for every situation, and that is wise. For who among us could with any degree of sincerity say, e.g., “Thank you, God, for the cancer that is robbing my mother of her life”, or “Thanks, Lord, for this traffic jam that will keep me from the interview for the job I so desperately wanted”? No one. But is possible, even in the most dire situations, to give thanks.... if for nothing else that we have Jesus’ promise that he is with us, no matter what.

We are but a couple of weeks away from Canada’s national day of Thanksgiving, on which we are called to gather with friends and family, to eat, and to give thanks for the innumberable blessings we enjoy as residents of this good and free land. In our prayers that day, we will recall the “usual suspects” of our reasons for thankfulness – friends and family who love us, more than adequate food and shelter, faith, church community, health, etc. All very worthy causes for praise! But this year, I’d like to suggest that we pay attention to the small things for which we are thankful as well – really pay attention and give thanks! For without exception, a heart tuned to thanks for the “small things” will doubtless give thanks for the “big things”.

Let me give you a personal example from recent events in my life. One of the “precautions” after hip replacement surgery is restricting movement while sleeping. While it is possible to lie on ones side, it can only be done safely with at least two pillows between the knees.... which for me was more uncomfortable than sleeping on my back all the time! And so when the six weeks of precautions were over, I climbed into bed that night anticipating how good it would feel to roll over and try out various positions of comfort. I was not disappointed. As I shifted to my right side and adjusted my right arm under my head on the pillow, I literally said, “Thank you, God, that I can move freely again”. I am still giving thanks for that to this day.

There is something so life giving about noticing, and giving thanks, for the “small” blessings in our lives – although I suspect none of our many blessings are “small”. So, when you gather around your bountiful table this October, try to be specific when giving thanks for the food. Thank God for the glorious smell of roast turkey and pumpkin pies permeating the house. Give thanks for the crisp golden skin (the best part, in my opinion). How about giving thanks not just for the family gathered at the table, but for the particular gifts they bring to the feast. Thank God for Uncle Herman’s corny jokes, that somehow always make you laugh. Thank God for Grandma Smith’s wonderful, gentle spirit and for the latest family member’s goos, gurgles, and squeals of delight. You probably won’t want to mention all of this at your table grace, but carry it to bed with you as you fall off to sleep with hearts and stomachs full. So, notice it.... notice it all, and name it and give thanks. You will be blessed by giving thanks for the “small things” and your capacity for thankfulness will be enlarged.

God’s blessings to you and yours.