Thanksgiving Day

11-24-2024Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

What or who do you take for granted? I know, it’s hard to think about something you don’t think much about! But try… especially at this time of Thanksgiving. There are certainly people and things you and I depend upon that we just expect to be there for us. Maybe it’s the person who delivers the newspaper or provides emergency services. I have a friend who will occasionally pray for the person who invented air conditioning because she is so grateful for that cool refreshment in the summer heat!

Mindfulness is important in the process of being thankful. With our busy, frenetic lives, we can go from one thing or person to another and just take, utilize, and enjoy without much thought about who and what is behind its availability and convenience. The immigrant laborer who picked the vegetable or the poor single mother of three who packed the box of chocolates were just two examples. Then there are those in our own family, parish, and neighborhood who serve us in ways we may take for granted – the person(s) who put food on the table, the one who always remembers your birthday, the individual who makes life just a bit easier, cleaner, and more comfortable.

One group of people I am especially grateful for are healthcare workers and the modern medicine and technology available to us in times of illness and injury. My recent hospital stay has caused me to reflect on the many wonderful people who share their gifts of caring compassion, knowledge, experience, and commitment for the health and wellbeing of those they serve. Living in an area of the world that affords us some of the best medical care available is just another blessing for which I am most grateful.

May this Thanksgiving be a time filled with mindfulness, which engenders an uplifted spirit, a sincere gratitude, and a respect for all those whom we might take for granted in the course of our busy lives. Let’s pray for them in a special way and, if possible, share with them how special they are to us. Blessings to you and your family at Thanksgiving!

God bless you!