For more than twenty years, I’ve
had to write something for Thanksgiving. Often, I’ve used the Biblical story of
the “Ten Lepers” for inspiration. If Jesus wondered why only one leper was
grateful for his healing, what must God think of us when we take our blessings
for granted? This year, I’m beginning with Tom’s words, “Every time I turn
around, there’s another pleasant surprise from God.”
As we left for Tucson last month, our minds were riddled
with worry and sadness. Our grandson had been injured playing rugby and needed
surgery and the day before we left my nephew was killed in a car accident.
Staying home was out of the question. I was conducting my mother’s memorial
service in Tucson .
We packed our bags and drove first to my sister’s home six hours away and then
back to Buffalo Airport
What was he talking about? He
pointed to the idyllic country scene just outside the hotel window and began
ticking off the list of blessings we had received over the past twenty-four
hours. He started with the previous night. When we crossed the bridge at Niagara Falls , we needed
gas immediately. He asked a taxi driver for directions to the nearest gas
station. That stranger not only led us to the nearest open gas station, but
also all the way to the Buffalo airport. He even paid
our toll as we crossed a toll bridge. As he disappeared into the night, we gave
thanks to God for his kindness. Tom finished his list with the unexpected
Jacuzzi tub in our hotel room.
Yes, God had given us little
blessings here and there, as we set out on this journey, our hearts full of
sadness and worry. I needed to give God thanks.
I offer you this tip. God offers
small blessings, surprises, even on the worst days. We can follow St. Paul ’s instructions,
“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)
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