Wednesday November 25, 2020
Today, the day before Thanksgiving, used to be the most travelled day of the year. More people went someplace, usually home, than for Christmas. It may sound a bit strange for us as Christians but since Thanksgiving is really a secular holiday, it does make sense, especially in our multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
Health officials tell us to stay in our pods. Interesting word – pod. It’s a word we use to describe a connected group of whales and dolphins. One of the traditional Thanksgiving hymns has the words: “All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.” But look at the next line: “God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied.” It seems to suggest material wants, but we have other, deeper wants.
We want resilience. We want to know we are cared for. We want to care for others. So, during the day tomorrow when we were traditionally entertaining or going places to be with friends or family, let us practice resilience through care. Reach out and speak to someone you haven’t spoken to for a while. A voice provides a stronger sense of care than an e-mail. By supplying this want of others, we will supply our own.
Prayer for the Day
Thanksgiving will be different this year we know, O Lord;
May we use this respite from the hurrying and scurrying
To find deeper moments of your peace.
Beyond the day will come the season of Advent, O God;
May we learn to share your many gifts to the world
To understand the true meaning of gratitude.
In the name of him who shows us how to love,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. If sometimes we do not taste of adversity, then prosperity would not be so welcome.
Anne Bradstreet, Puritan settler (1612-1672)
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was “thank you,” that would suffice.
Meister Eckhart, medieval mystic (1260-1327)
O give thanks to the Lord, call upon God’s name,
Make known God’s deeds among all the peoples!
Sing to God and sing praises of all God’s works
And let us sing praises to God’s holy name!
Psalm 105: 1-2