Father Kleppner - November 19, 2006
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I share the following thoughts with you:
- For the wife who says its hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, and not out with someone else.
- For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.
- For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because it means she is at home, not on the streets.
- For the taxes I pay, because it means I am employed.
- For the mess to clean after a party, because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
- For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
- For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
- For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
- For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
- For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.
- For my huge electricity and gas bills, because it means I am cool or warm.
- For the lady behind me in church who sings off key, because it means I can hear.
- For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
- For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.
- For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means I am alive.
- And finally, for too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.
THANKSGIVING INVENTORY
Let us praise God for all his good gifts:
- For the wonder of inevitability, the joy of discovery,
- For the experiences each day as we grow older,
- For husband and wife scheming to please each other,
- For the little traditions and customs of our home,
- For birds and innocent children,
- For holidays and games in open air,
- For books, pictures and our small possessions,
- For work attempted and achieved,
- For the joy of harvest and wedding,
- For the joy of a lost soul finding love again,
- For the smell of the country after rain,
- For trees and fruit blossoms, grass and flowers,
- For clouds, hills and mountain streams,
- For the joy of the angels over one sinner who repents,
- For the gift of laughter,
- For singers and musicians,
- For poets and laborers,
- For obscure and humble saints who serve,
- For the image of Christ in ordinary people,
- For the gift of faith which alone makes hope possible,
- For all these things we praise you, Lord!
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