By Sister M. Jacinta
Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for and how often do we overlook the little things that Divine Providence sends our way. Observe a small child going for a walk with her mother for the first time. First of all, we should thank that there are still small children who can be children. The little one was noticing all the “great” things that God has placed on earth. Pointing down to a little stick on the sidewalk, she said to her mom: “Look!” She was excited about a little twig and then a little while later she noticed a little worm making its way across the sidewalk. Again, she said, all excited, “Look.” She was “looking” for the first time at all that God had prepared for her to enjoy in this world. And how happy must God be that she noticed. This was her way of saying thank you.
Yes, that is what we should all do every day. We should look – not at all the evil that might be thrown at us on social media, not at all the posts on Facebook – but look rather at “who posted them,” look at the person behind the “post.” Be grateful that they are sharing with you. Be grateful that God has put them in your life.
How often we tend to circle around ourselves and lack the “eyes” to observe what is around us and what God has given us. We tend to thank for many of the practical and physical gifts that we received, which in this time of pandemic are something to be grateful for. But how grateful we should be that God has sent just the right person at the right time to bring a moment of cheer into our life, even if we can only visit them through a screen door or behind a mask.
In Schoenstatt, one of the first things we learn to appreciate is the greatness of God’s providence. How thankful we are that we were called to this wonderful movement where we are allowed to participate in his work of “blessing” the world. All our efforts to bring a smile to the face of another and all our selfless acts of love offered to give joy and peace to another are our way of participating in God’s providence. We are the instruments he chose through the hands of our dear Mother Thrice Admirable in her shrine. Are we grateful that we are chosen? Are we grateful that we are called by him as his beloved children to swim in his ocean of love and to go out from our shrines with mission zeal to draw others to our Mother Thrice Admirable so that she can prove her genuine love for them, too? Once they have experienced the shrine, be sure that thanksgiving will be in their hearts, together with the longing to pass on all they have received.
One of our founder’s favorite writings comes to mind when I meditate on God’s goodness and our need to say thanks: “My faith sees God behind all things, my ear hears clearly the Father’s voice, my childlike heart is joyfully prepared, to give itself to him without reserve.” Whenever there is a gift, there ought to be thanks, and this thanks is embodied in a gift in return, a childlike gift of love. Let us offer thanks, let us offer ourselves to God and to all those whom he has sent into our lives.
At the end of my reflection, I want to share a song which my sister wrote which fits perfectly with the meditation on thanksgiving:
Every Good Gift
When I look around all of nature abounds.
The blessings of God I see.
When I see the sunrise right before my own eyes
I realize it’s all free.
Every good gift is from above
Flowing down from the God of love.
And each day that we live
Is a gift that God gives.
And I take the time to thank the Giver.
See a river long, hear a bird’s sweet song, hold a hand so strong;
It’s a gift.
Hear a baby’s first cry, see a baby’s first smile, every parent’s child
Is a gift.
For generations there has been celebration again and again.
And when we’re distressed
God continues to bless.
And I take the time to thank the Giver.
For God sent us His only Son
Who died and rose for this world undone.
And for those who confess,
God continues to bless.
And I take the time to thank the Giver.
Every good gift is from above
Flowing down from the God of love.
And each day that we live,
Is a gift that God gives.
And I take the time to thank the Giver.
(Leona Hall, 2018)