Remembering to give thanks

Thanksgiving turned around is "giving thanks." The Thanksgiving holiday that most celebrate focuses on food, fun and family gatherings. We forget it needs to be about being thankful for what we have.

"Give thanks to the Lord; for he is good: his mercy endures for ever." Psalms 118:1.

In talking with Jenny, a waitress at a local restaurant, this fact was brought home to me dramatically. As we talked about what we were doing on Thanksgiving Day, she said "I'll have a good day because I always have a great day. I'm just happy I have another day to celebrate, period."

I told her of one of my mother's favorite quotes. "This is the day the Lord has made: We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24.

Mom often caused us to feel guilty when we complained about the temperature or the weather or rain or snow. I resented her optimism sometimes.

As I listened to Jenny, I soon found out why she relished every day; seeming so cheerful when I could see no particular reason for her exuberance. She never had a "bad hair day" because she remembered the time when she had no hair. It had all fallen out due to chemotherapy. And she was told by doctors that her chances for survival were slim.

So Jenny treasured each day as if it were her last. You see, she had been diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. Fortunately, it's now in remission or cured completely, but one never knows for sure.

I was astonished and touched at her candid disclosure and explanation of her outlook on life. What a wonderful attitude, but does one have to experience such a traumatic incident to realize the awesomeness of each day and feel gratitude on the level she does?

Another eye opener on giving thanks was from an e-mail I recently received. It concerned those who were poverty ridden -- mostly in Third World countries. The message talked about our having to buy name brand shoes -- but at least we had shoes.

The communication went on to list things about which we as a society complain. Things like what we will eat, what we desire to wear or what kind of house we live in. At least we have food, clothes and a place to live. They don't!

The gratitude journal was an extension of an Oprah Winfrey show, although many kept journals before that time. But keeping a journal of blessings for which we ought to be grateful is a worthy practice. I've tried it and the exercise has proven helpful because whether we're grateful or pessimistic lies within each person.

We can choose how we will view experiences. Making a conscious effort to mentally recall the day's happenings enables us to place our lives in the right perspective. Life is too short and transitory to waste time complaining and focusing on the negative. If we realize it, we are fortunate that we have much more than what we need in which to be content.

"Let us try not to feed the endless cycle of consumerism and immorality in which this modern and advanced society forgets and ignores the other two thirds of our brothers and sisters," the e-mail read.

Writing this before Thanksgiving, I hope I shall realize how fortunate I am, both now and after the holiday. Just as Jenny appreciates each breath she takes and every hair on her head, everyone would benefit from having the same outlook -- rejoicing in each day the Lord makes because every day is the day of Jesus.

Ellen Shuck is director of religious education at St. Mary Cathedral.