"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

I am amazed at how quickly holidays come and go without actually thinking or meditating about its importance in our life. How wonderful it is to reflect on God's blessings and truly mean it, to thank our beloved friends and acquaintances and show it. Consider two scenarios seen on television that send opposing messages regarding "Thanksgiving".

In an episode of the "The Simpsons" (a cartoon show) the young brat Bart is asked to say grace. He prays, "Dear God, we paid for all this stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing."

In an old Jimmy Stewart movie, there is a scene where his family surrounds the dinner table and they bow their heads for prayer. Jimmy Stewart says "Lord, we planted this seed, we watered the plants, we picked the food and we cooked it. We did it all ourselves. We worked dog bone hard for this but we thank you just the same. Amen."

Thanksgiving is a time that reminds us to have an attitude of thanks to God. The scriptures teach that a thankful attitude joins heaven and earth; whereas, an ungrateful attitude keeps heaven and earth, the spiritual and the material, separate. When we are thankful, we recognize that food, shelter, and all other necessities come to us because of the mercy of Almighty God. Thankfulness turns our hearts towards heaven.

President George Washington tried to anchor our country towards God, encouraging Americans to turn their hearts towards heaven as he wrote his Thanksgiving proclamation November 26, 1789. Here are a few excerpts from his address:

"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor."

"Whereas both Houses of Congress have requested me to "recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts..."

"To render our national government a blessing to all people, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws..."

As your priest, I ask that we all make time to stop for more than a moment, praying to give thanks to God, the one who grants us this life. I hope we can pause to acknowledge family, friends, and beloved who have inspired, encouraged and loved us.

St. John Kronstadt said "prayer is a state of continual gratitude. If I do not feel a sense of joy in God's creation, if I forget to offer the world back to God with thankfulness, I have advanced very little upon the Way. I have not yet learned to be truly human. For it is only through thanksgiving that I can become myself. "

Joyful "thanksgiving" is a skillful art that we must all mindfully develop. Let us all strive to encourage and support one another, as "we commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God." ~ Fr. Tom

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, We give You thanks for Your loving kindness and all the blessings You have richly bestowed upon us. We fall down in worship and adoration before You, the King of glory. We praise You, we glorify You, we bless You and we give thanks to You for Your great goodness and tender mercy. To You we come, our sweet Lord and loving Master. Shine in our hearts the light of Your grace. Enlighten our minds, that we may walk uprightly all our days by keeping Your commandments. Glorified and exalted is Your holy name, now and forever. Amen

God bless you,

Fr. Tom