Every November nearly everyone – young and old alike – pauses to remember what they are thankful for. Even in the secular circles of our culture, the very name “Thanksgiving” evokes expressions of gratitude. Gatherings are sometimes called “Friendsgiving,” by those far away from their families. The sentiment is the same: being close to those we love, remembering those less fortunate with our own gifts of baskets of food and turkeys, and being together around a warm and bountiful table.
Our Time is Now
We think of the cycling of time, how swiftly days have passed and how precious our time together is. For those who have lost loved ones since last Thanksgiving, or even longer ago, gatherings are poignant reminders of their absence. Memories of holidays together from years ago may be as vivid as today’s celebration.
Our Thanksgiving table becomes a sacred place where we are with the ones we love – Now.
As our parish family approaches the end of our liturgical year, and takes account of all we have accomplished together, we encourage everyone to reflect and pray about how Saint Helen’s has supported them – and how they, in turn, have served their fellow parishioners.
With grateful hearts, how have we given of ourselves to our parish? As stewards of all of our gifts, do we level up with our gifts of time, talent, and treasure? As to a devoted friend, do we give our first fruits – or our leftovers?
In a few weeks, when we receive our annual parish report, consider that this is our day, this is our time, this is our now. To live abundantly is to give abundantly in every way that we can.
