The news was arresting; the details, alarming; and the response, inspiring. Amid the horror and confusion of learning 10 girls had been killed, the Amish community immediately made plans to offer forgiveness and food to the family of the shooter. They demonstrated the highest principles of faith.
In the face of crisis, we need to work hard to remember the gift of life, taking stock of the goodness that still surrounds us. Henri J. M. Nouwen, in his book The Return of the Prodigal Son, calls this "the discipline of gratitude." The Amish demonstrated it beautifully.
Hardship tests our capacity for love and forgiveness. Being grateful – finding and clinging to gratitude – can provide our greatest solace.
This doesn't come naturally, particularly to Americans. We have become spoiled, ungrateful people, bearing little resemblance to the early colonists.
They sunk their fingers into the soil with wonder, rejoicing in the simple ability to make a new home and worship freely in it.
We grumble if the football game is interrupted by news or if our high-speed Internet falters. Google delivers us thousands of answers in two-tenths of a second. And if it takes four-tenths, we're annoyed.
At the underside of every task or burden, there is a reason to give thanks. We just have to adjust our attitude to see it.
Through Grateful Eyes
When I was sick last week, I found myself indulging in a little self-pity. Everyone else was flitting around, healthy as a horse, and I was miserable. And I had so much to do! It seemed unfair.
Then, as I drove home from the doctor, I heard a news report about the growing number of Americans without health insurance. It hit me hard: I was lucky to be able to go to the doctor and readily obtain medicine.
Now I'm trying to see through grateful eyes.
During traffic yesterday, I reminded myself, "I'm lucky to have a job to drive to and a car that runs."
Chores like washing dishes and cleaning clothes are blessings, too; I can afford and enjoy food and clothing, staples that are denied to some.
Bogged down by homework? Be grateful you get to attend school and learn. Hit with a huge utility bill this month? Be grateful to be warm. Stunned by the cell phone bill when you went over your minutes? Be grateful for all the friends and relatives you love to talk to.
I know it's counterintuitive. But it will relieve stress and inject joy into your daily life. And it will deepen your faith.
"Gratitude," G. K. Chesterton once said, "is the sincerest form of prayer."
Gratitude is at the core of Catholicism. The Eucharist, the source and summit of our life, means "Thanksgiving." It is the ultimate gift.
Gratitude is also at the core of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. To adore is to express wonder and praise. Our founder, St. Maria de Mattias, was overwhelmed by gratitude for our merciful God. It was evident to everyone who met her, which made her a powerful speaker and teacher.
My prayer this Thanksgiving is that every morning – even when the alarm clock rings earlier than I'd like – I rise with a word of thanks to the God Who granted me another glorious day.