The Day After 

   Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving with family, friends, and most likely far too much food.  I wonder how the world would change if we could keep the feelings of thanksgiving in our hearts throughout the year rather than for just one day.  Perhaps we might even begin to understand that grumpy old uncle or the aunt who thinks she knows everything about everything and everyone.

   On Thanksgiving, Christmas and other family get togethers most of try our best to be gracious and welcoming to all, even those we may not want to see any other day of the year.  That attitude, that effort of love and acceptance is what we need in our hearts each day, not just a few times a year.  Maybe we could begin to set aside old grudges and hurts and reach out to each other as a family should.

   Christ tells us to love not only our family, but our neighbors, and even our enemies as ourselves.  Today we have another chance to begin to try to live our life in that manner.  Let’s take the opportunity to open our hearts to the love and mercy of God and share that love and mercy with others.

   We can try to see each day as a day of thanksgiving, each Christmas as a renewal of our trust and faith in the infant Savior, each Easter as a reminder of the sacrifice He made for us and our salvation.  We could even begin to realize that every breath we take is a gift from God and give Him thanks.

Lord help us live each day in thanksgiving.

Each day as a day to honor and praise You.

Every moment as a loving gift from You.

Every breath as a breath given in love. 

Amen