Giving Thanks (11/26/2025)

This week reminds me that the greatest gifts aren’t what we have but who we have. This week, on the 24^th, I celebrated the birth of two of my children who have forever changed my life. And this week I also remember the loss of my sister, Betty, on the 21^st, and my father on the 23^rd, two people whose love remains within the texture of my being.  This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, I give thanks for all four as well as for all the members of my family. Family and friends are the gifts that I treasure most and without whom I would not be who I am.

Overall, I know that the One who plays the largest role in who I am is the LORD, our God. Without Him, I would not be. Without Him, I could never become me. And He is the one I thank daily for life and for the lives of others who bless my way with their love, their gifts, their joy. He is the one who taught me that the greatest gifts are not possessions but the love and presence of another. He taught me this when He sent His Son. And Christ taught me this when He gave Himself for love of the Father and love of each and every one of us. No greater gift has ever been given. And, yes, that gift will be among the ones I give thanks for tomorrow.

And I know that I am called to be a gift to others. A long time ago, I read a poem that I can’t remember who wrote it or its name, I only remember the image of an egg, broken open and shared with others and the notion that we are like that egg, we are meant to share ourselves with others – share our talents, share our time, share our ideas, share ourselves, and share our love. And I know that tomorrow, as I give thanks, my own life will be among those I give thanks for to the LORD. I realize it isn’t perfect, but with the exception of the gift of Christ, few gifts are perfect, but no less gifts.

It is fitting that in the month designated for remembering others beginning with All Saints Day and All Souls Day and culminating in the Feast of Christ the King and Thanksgiving that  on Thanksgiving we give thanks not only for the abundance upon our tables but the abundance of lives that have engaged us, enriched us, and enabled us – those who are with us still and those who are not but whose memories still fill our moments with light.

And as we continue on our journeys of faith, hope and love, let us also ask the LORD to bless us with resolve to be the lights He created us to be in this world that so needs lights, the lights He himself, the Light of the World, calls us to be. And let us lead lives that will make those who are no longer with us smile from afar.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.