Giving Thanks

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton

Tomorrow, November 28, is Thanksgiving in America. While we should be thankful every day, this day is a special time to remember God’s gifts to us and offer thanks to him for them. We can never be grateful enough.

In fact, I would encourage you to begin the habit of writing down three things each day you are grateful for. Cultivating gratitude is the secret to overcoming discouragement and cultivating a spirit of joy and humility.

Here are some things I’m thankful for this year (not in any particular order):

• The Catholic Gentleman community. You all have encouraged and inspired me to be a better man!
• My wife and children, who are God’s greatest gifts to me
• A good job in a down economy
• Friendship and good conversations
• The Catholic faith, especially the gift of the sacraments
• Our Lord and Our Lady
• A working vehicle (we don’t often appreciate these until they break down!)
• Food and clean drinking water
• Heat, as it is starting to get quite cold outside
• Good books
• Coffee, beer, pipe, and other simple enjoyments
• Technology, such as my tablet, computer, and smartphone
• Good and holy priests
• And more than it is possible to mention

On another note, if you live in the USA, you know this holiday has turned into a celebration of materialism and greed, marked by blowout sales and frantic shopping. I would encourage you not to participate in the madness. Avoid Black Friday and definitely do not go shopping on Thanksgiving day. A good way to fight this materialism is by attending mass—the ultimate form of Thanksgiving—before your family feast.

What are you thankful for? How are you observing Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving!

PS: Did you know the first Thanksgiving was not celebrated by the Puritans? Did you know Squanto was Catholic? Check out these 6 Catholic Thanksgiving facts from Dr. Taylor Marshall. They could make for some great conversation starters.