Do we acknowledge gratitude?

Next week, a majority of us will sit down for a special meal, usually in the abundance of a feast, with family or close friends. We will honor family traditions of particular foods on the menu, or rituals of thanksgiving, and prayers of gratitude. We will try not to agitate Uncle Joe?s political leading and we will endeavor to keep the kids happy so there are no tears at mealtime, and we will praise Great-Great-Aunt Mattie?s recipe for ________(fill in the blank!). We may have Pilgrim decorations or fall colors to adorn our tables.

Among our national holiday celebrations, Thanksgiving Day has remained relatively noncommercial and focused on reflection, prayer and family. We live in one of the richest nations in the world, for which we are grateful. But we live among some who will not feast because those rich foods also come with a rich price tag. Does knowing and acknowledging that shape our gratitude? We are fortunate to live close to excellent hospitals and clinics, for which we are grateful. But doctors have not found the path to immortality, so many family tables will have someone missing due to death or serious illness for the first time for this holiday. Does that kind of experience reshape our thankfulness? Our prayers are still for peace in a world full of turmoil and even hatred, for which we would be grateful. But what are you and I doing to create and preserve peace? How does that desire mold our understanding of thanksgiving?

I pray that all, no matter what their circumstances, will take a space of time next Thursday to reflect and pray ? with words of praise and gratitude, with requests for God?s guidance for us and all people, with awareness of how great are our riches that are measured on different scales than bank accounts and other financial resources. May you and yours be blessed.