About a month into fire recovery I met with my pastor. I was in the middle of too many decisions. My heart and mind were not at all ordered. I was confused. Father’s advice was this: “Don’t think of what you have lost. Look at what you have, what you might have again, as a gift from God. Of each thing ask, ‘Does God give me this? Keep what it seems God gives you. Let go of what it seems he does not give you. He will give you what you need.'”
That wisdom has had the effect of Mother Teresa’s broom. (When she didn’t know what to do, she would start to sweep.) It has item by item created order again. The house of my mind and heart is not yet swept clean, but order is coming. Moreover, that question, “Does God give me this?” asked again and again and again, is giving me a new perspective on everything. What does God give me? He gives me what I need–and what is needed in me for the good of others, for God works for the good of all.
Sunday night he gave me the gift of being with someone as she faced both death and years of anger. I didn’t know what to do with that gift. But then God gave me what I needed–including help from others.
Another person I visit is in the middle of a deep depression. I recognize she is a gift to me, too, as I am to her.
All of God’s gifts are not plenty of food, family close by, and a spirit of peace. Many I know pause today to struggle to give thanks. They cannot see God’s goodness right now.
Two months ago today my house turned to ashes and soot. Yesterday I washed crystal and dishes that were black from that soot. It isn’t easy work, but there was joy as something sparkled once again. Doing that reminded me that God gives good things, but sometimes life or sin or family breakdowns or maybe even the fire of God’s purification and winnowing turn homes and dreams into dirty, sooty dishes.
Yet the goodness of God, like strong detergents, can clean those dishes and dreams again. I have learned to soak sooty dishes for at least an hour in a detergent concoction. Then I rinse them with hot water. They shine again! Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Sometimes God first gives ashes and soot, then he gives detergents and rubbing to clean, then he makes things new again.
True for dishes. True for houses. True for hearts. True for souls.
A Day of Thanksgiving
As we in the US pause to offer thanks as a nation, today’s reflection is based on the US readings for mass today. I hope that all our readers around the world will not mind our pause, my pause. God is good…ALL the time. It is good to recognize, remember, celebrate that goodness–no matter what it looks or feels like today.
May all of us take this opportunity to move from thanksgiving to praise to worship. In thanksgiving we recognize and appreciate what is good that we have received. In praise we recognize and appreciate that this goodness comes from God, that God is worthy of our praise. And then, in worship, we rest in the beauty and glory and the joy and the power of God—not for what he has done, but for who he is.
Perhaps this prayer can spark your prayers of thanksgiving, of praise, and of worship.
Prayer
For the gift of life and breath and health enough, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of Faith, to know that you are God, you made heaven and earth, and you hold it in your hands, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of Hope, to know that you came to earth to save us and show us how to live in the Kingdom of God—both now and forever, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of Love, that you would come to live in me through your Holy Spirit, and enable me to share your very life, a life of love, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of understanding, that I might perceive and understand all these mysteries, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of my family, who will gather with me tonight, to celebrate that so very recently, you saved us, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of work you give me to do for you, the people you give me to love, and the capacity in my heart to do it, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of the Church, with its teachings, its saints, its worship, and its mission, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of religious freedom and a parish where I may grow and serve in Christian community, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of political freedom, even though these days it is clouded by polarity, fear, and prejudice, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of a nation that was created to be “one nation under God,” with a vision of political, religious, and economic freedom for all peoples, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of all that you give me of this world’s goods–plenty, enough–thank you, Lord.
For the gift of capacity to work and earn my way in life, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of my home, this house you gave me, as a place to live and share your love, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of each and every person you have put in my life–those who have done me great good, as well as those who have challenged me and taught me hard lessons, thank you, Lord.
For the gift of skills, talents, dreams, and yes, even the struggles and limitations you give me, thank you, Lord.
For the gifts of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, all that my life has held and will hold, thank you, Lord.
Lord, may today I not only give thanks, but move to praise and worship you for who you are–Creator and Lord of heaven and earth, Christ the King, Holy Spirit.
Amen
