A Different Take on Giving Thanks

Hey friends!

I meant to post this on Thanksgiving, but clearly did not. The week before Turkey Day, the Pastoral Care Department hosted Thanksgiving services at a handful of Ocshner campuses. Granted, there were only a few people at the one I helped with, but one of the resident chaplains shared a great reflection on what it means to be thankful, and what it means to be greatful (as it turns out, those two things can be quite different). Her reflection included this poem:

Be Thankful

author unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know everything,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,

because it means you've made a difference.

Now, this poem said a lot to me. This year hasn't been easy. While I'm feeling settled in to New Orleans and while I'm pretty sure I start going through legitimate withdrawal when I go too long without talking to my roommates, work has been hard. Maybe more on that later, but for now: it is just so good to have a reminder that those difficulties are alright. That difficulties are something to be thankful for, and that even though this year has certainly been and will continue to be harder than last, it is important and educational and valuable. I have things to look forward to, things to learn, and so many more chances to grow and challenge myself. Hopefully somewhere in there I can manage to make a difference, too.

Here's the thing though. Why did Thanksgiving have to happen for me to really comprehend that reminder? Maybe my tardiness in posting these comments can be the start of remembering to be thankful on days other than the fourth Thursday in November. Maybe not, but I sure intend on trying. Care to join me?

Love,

Allison