Giving Thanks

Our neighbours to the south are celebrating Thanksgiving, which is the biggest travel holiday of the year in the States. So far no new version of the American Revolution as fliers object to body pat-downs and scans. For anyone who cares, I am picking the Pats over the Lions, The Saints over the Cowboys and the Jets over the Bengals in today's NFL games. Who says I don't have my priorities straight!

I have mentioned before that both the Canadian and the U.S. Thanksgiving celebrations originated around the same time, and both were made national holidays in the same era. And in both countries we make a point of expressing our gratitude. In fact the lectionary scripture readings will be the same in the States this weekend as those we used in October. Earlier this week the online "thought for the day" called Sound Bites included these quotes on gratitude, both of which are good.

GRATITUDE

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.

-- Cicero

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16 NIV)

This interview is good as well. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/november-19-2010/brother-david-steindl-rast-on-gratitude/7515/

Are your grateful today, whatever your nationality and location? What are you grateful for? Is God part of your giving thanks?