Two Cents Worth
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Remember? About a year ago we all vowed we would never ever eat that much again and yet this past weekend we did it again. Some of us even had two days of it and we didn’t learn a thing after the first day of gluttony.
And Christmas, another one of those times we promise never to do that again, is not that far away. All the work I did this summer was wasted on turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, pie and all the nibblies I ate before and after stuffing myself for two days. It will be even harder work to at least break even by December 25.
We need to be grateful for longer than a weekend that we are able to eat our fill. It is just not fair so many of us are suffering from excess when so many around the world do not have enough to fill their stomachs once a week let alone every day. And for those in our own communities who depend on the goodness of the churches and organizations that collect food for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas and the food banks for everyday living.
It is a time for giving thanks for many of the blessing we enjoy. I read a quote recently that said something like, if we can’t be grateful for what we have, why do we think more will be better. That struck a chord with me because we always complain about what we don’t have in our lives instead of taking joy in the great things that we already possess.
We spend a lot of time wishing and praying for more or different. I often say, “When I win the lottery I will…” whatever it is I am lacking at the time. I really don’t expect to win because I rarely buy tickets but I realize that statement illustrates some dissatisfaction with my life as it is.
Would I like a new vehicle? Of course. Do I need a new vehicle? Not yet. Did having a hole in my roof cause me some panic? You bet. My biggest fear was some roofing guy coming over and telling me the whole roof needed replacing. It’s a flat roof so finding anyone who would even come look at it was almost impossible, but with each contact giving me the name of someone who might know someone who might do it I found a highly recommended and skilled flat roof guy who came and did his magic without trying to sell me a new roof and not charging me more than I could afford.
Sometimes prayers are answered in strange ways. We Catholics are big on prayer. I try not to pray for things like winning the lottery, a new car or better house. I try to be more thankful in my prayers. Not that I have always been this way. I have wanted as much as the next person but I learned a few things over the years. Like the song says, we sometimes need to be thankful for unanswered prayers. I remember a few experiences where that proved to be the case. After that I became a bit more selective in what I pray for. Now when things are particularly difficult I never pray for change or reversal or lessening of the struggle but instead for the strength to get through.
I try to remember not to eat so much, but most importantly to be grateful, not dissatisfied with my life but be proud of the strength I have gained.