THANKSGIVING

Families are the blessings and complaints of the Thanksgiving Day celebration. Last June my mother attained 98 years of life. I was able to visit her this month and we reminisced about the wonderful years we enjoyed together and some of the lessons learned.

We remember and give thanks for the riches we gained through family members throughout the years. My mother used to evaluate someone who had fallen in life, that they lacked the blessings of inner resources. It was her duty and joy to build our awareness of responsibility and privilege. Now our duty is to give back to our community patient contradiction when we see error in ourselves and others, and to offer assistance and support.

I opened our Book of Common Worship and was pleased to read the prayers offered for those experiencing tragedy, for the sick and those giving care, for one in emotional distress, for someone who is old, for an Alzheimer’s disease patient and for those giving care, for those suffering with AIDS, among others.

In the riches of faith and amid the misery we experience in life, I return to Psalm 100.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
 

For the Lord is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
 

May your Thanksgiving Day be blessed.