Thanksgiving Day: A Day to Nourish Gratitude

A person with their arms raised in the air.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)

In all things, always - God’s will for us! This call to “Rejoice always” may seem an impossibility especially amid all the profoundly troubling national and world situations. Yet, as United States Americans we choose to come together, if possible, with family, friends, neighbors, and those in need to celebrate one treasured National Day of Thanksgiving. Could that day encourage us to “give thanks in all circumstances”?

It is not only scripture that calls us to live a spirituality of gratitude. Over the centuries well-known people have spoken of gratitude with heart. Surprisingly, it was in Country Living online that I found the following quotes: 

William Shakespeare: “O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.”

Rumi: “Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.”

Tecumseh: “When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living."

Vietnamese Proverb: “When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.”  

You might like to consider celebrating Eucharist on Thanksgiving. The day’s liturgy is filled with inspiring prayers and scripture readings as well as with the following excerpt from the preface:

“It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. You have entrusted to us the great gift of freedom, a gift that calls forth responsibility and commitment to the truth that all have a fundamental dignity before you.” 

Veronica Blake, SMR