Thanksgiving

Dear Friends in Christ,

I don’t remember my first thanksgiving in the US, but I do remember my second. I hadn’t planned on celebrating the holiday as I didn’t think it was “my” holiday, but, as the day approached and I witnessed other people’s plans to gather with family and friends to celebrate, I found myself becoming progressively more homesick. I didn’t have anyone to celebrate with and I missed my family badly. In the end we were invited to spend Thanksgiving at the house of an acquaintance who had immigrated to this country from France a few years before us. She always invited all the “ex-pats” she knew to her house because she knew what it felt like to be alone on Thanksgiving.

Over the years Thanksgiving has become perhaps my favorite holiday. It is the one major holiday not associated with an Church Feast and as someone whose chosen vocation so often involves working on and around holidays, I can take the day off and just spend time with those I love. And yet I also feel deeply conflicted at Thanksgiving. I remember that even while I have so much to be thankful for, my celebrations come at a cost to the original inhabitants of this land, a cost which continues for their ancestors. I know that as I gather around my Thanksgiving table in warmth and comfort with family and friends and eat more than is good for us, there are those who have not been “blessed” like us and who struggle to survive in the very country I feel so blessed to live in through no fault of their own.

We follow a savior who would often gather at table and share a meal with people as part of his ministry. Giving thanks was an important part of Jesus’ table ministry. One of the last acts of his life was together his friends around a table for what we now know as The Last Supper, a meal that we remember every Sunday as we gather around the table to celebrate the Eucharist, a word that means thanksgiving. As Christians we recognize God as the source of all our blessings and giving thanks should be as much part of our spiritual practice as breathing, not just at Thanksgiving but every day.

Especially this year, when so much feels uncertain and there seems everything to feel anxious about, there is still so much for which I am grateful: my children and grandchildren, Cindy, my friends, and family. My dog, Toby, and my daughter’s cat that snuggles up and keep me warm on cold nights. The beautiful fall foliage and the promise of lots of mulch for my garden when the leaves finally finish falling from the trees. Cooler weather (finally!) and warm blankets to snuggle up in. The gift of rain and still-warm sun. The riotous orange and red blooms of the California fuchsias blooming in my yard, and the hummingbird who visits them daily. A warm and secure home from which I can offer hospitality to others.

More than anything, I am so very grateful for the community of Saint Anna’s. As we prepare to welcome strangers into our parish hall (and our hearts) next week, I am so very, very grateful for each and every one of you; For your big, loving hearts; for your determination to make this world a better place, and for your love to friends and strangers alike.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Jane