GIVING THANKS

      It is that time of year again.  That time when our nation sets aside a day that created a four day weekend to show gratitude for our many blessings.

      I don't think it is right to judge others and I believe it is foolish and futile to compare oneself to others.  Yet, I do both regularly, and then pray to let go of that wrong thinking.  I have been led to ponder 2 Corinthians 10. 3- 6:

For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh,

 for the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses.

We destroy arguments and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God,

and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ,

and we are ready to punish every disobedience,

once your obedience is complete.

            Taking every thought captive is a very difficult thing for me to do.  I need to try harder to SLOW DOWN  and NOT REACT when life's little surprises pop up and mess with me.

      I need to be still and let God quiet my heart and clear my head so that I do not hurt myself and those around me.

      I need to try harder to get the sleep I need, to eat the foods that will strengthen me at appropriate times to benefit me, to exercise, and to build my personal relationship with God.

      I am a Christian and a Catholic at that.  I don't need the government to set aside a special day to reflect upon my blessings.  I have the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist DAILY, if I put some effort into getting to local churches during the times when these opportunities are available.  When that is difficult, I need to at least read, reflect, and pray on the readings of the day.

     My husband and I chose one another to enter a covenant with God and each other until one of us dies. Our choice, blessed by God. My husband is a dependable and reliable man.  He has integrity and has been loyal to our marriage.  For that I am truly blessed.

   God chose ME, ME!, ME to carry five wonderful people in my womb.  There really is no greater honor bestowed on human beings than to nurture a new person in such an intimate way.  Our children are each healthy, bright, good, kind, compassionate, capable, free-thinking, strong, and beautiful people.

      We live in a free republic during a time of great technology that has the potential to make our lives more efficient and productive.  Although the recent elections were disheartening, we are still able to trust God to get us through no matter what happens to this nation.  We have tools to set things straight again, if only we are willing to do our parts.

      We own our house, our vehicles, and land.  We worked hard and sacrificed to get to this point and can continue to be good stewards of these blessings.  We must never forget that it is all GIFT.  All from God, portioned to us with the expectation that we will share our gifts with those who have less than we do.

      Those are the big and obvious blessings.  I need to daily take time to remember the little ones that come my way.  Better yet, I need to offer thanks the moment I realize I have been blessed.  I don't deserve my blessings.  I am not worthy.  I need to remember to be appreciative.