Thanksgiving

I suppose that every blogger and his brother are posting on the exact same topic today, so I may as well jump on the bandwagon.  I must give thanks for so many things today.

1. My family.  Granny is off of dialysis!  The whole family was home for Thanksgiving this year - it hasn't been like that for four years.  We had an hour's rousing battle of Nerts (don't ask - an extremely fast-paced card game, which can get a little vicious), lots of good food, much laughter, and our annual tradition of watching Holiday Inn.  It's the closest you can get to a Thanksgiving movie besides Miracle on 34th Street.  Despite my father forgetting to turn the oven on for the turkey, dinner was amazing.  I got to make the cranberry salad myself, not that that means I get a special claim on the leftovers of my favorite food!  At any rate, it is good to have the family safe and healthy.  I'm still praying hard for both of my sisters, but today was a pretty good day.  Deo gratias!

[caption id="attachment_1230" align="aligncenter" width="456"] My cranberry salad. Yes, I'm very proud of it![/caption]

2. My faith.  I take it as a given too much of the time.  But as I was reminded today, the Greek word for Thanksgiving is Eucharist.  There are not many words I can use to describe the joy, consolation, motivation, refuge, and so much more that is there to be found in  Holy Mother Church.  She is so eminently practical and motherly, and so strong.  Faith gives us so much, and it brings us close to the source of all that is Good.  So...thanks, God, for helping me be a Catholic!  :)

[caption id="attachment_1226" align="aligncenter" width="391"] Holy Rosary, my beloved parish[/caption]

3. How could I not mention my boyfriend?  I am so grateful for him, and all that he is.  He makes me want to be the best possible woman I can be, just so that I can try to deserve him.  Thanks for sending him, God!  I'm pretty sure you have a sense of humour, sending me somebody who's as weird as I am.  I pray for the grace and strength to continue discerning with him, in the way that You see fit.



4. Friends - I've made so many at Christendom.  And I know I've been lousy about keeping up with the old ones, but I'm so grateful for the role they have played and continue to play in my life.  At college - I have the affection, support, and laughter of so many wonderful people.  I can't even start listing them, or the page will go on forever!  My dear roommate, Ann - what on earth am I going to do without you when you graduate??

[caption id="attachment_1229" align="aligncenter" width="456"] Roomies![/caption]

5. Last but not least of the top items, my education.  I'm so grateful for Christendom College - my classes, my professors, the chaplaincy, the campus, Legion of Mary, everything.  Thanks, God,  for kicking me in the rear and making me realize I couldn't leave this place behind.  Yes, even if I stay up until 4:30 in the morning writing papers...and complain about professors...and complain about the food...and get disgruntled at the noise...I love my college.  Breathe Catholic!

Deo gratias!