Thanksgiving

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I’m Rev. Jess Chancey, filling in for John as he is away on sabbatical.

It’s Thanksgiving Day as I’m writing and recording this episode. Normally throughout the month of November, I make daily gratitude posts on my social media. This year though it’s been a bit hard. In fact, I’ll confess an unpopular opinion. Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. It takes a lot out of me, with all the focus on time with family, when I don’t tend to have that option. Plus, doing the work that I do as a hospital chaplain, I meet many people who will have a new empty chair at this holiday table. And I remember my own losses, too.

And yet, every year when I work on Thanksgiving Day, I also have at least one experience that reminds me of the supreme beneficence of God. There is always at least one thing that cries out that God is good, and that no matter who we are, no matter where we are, there is always something to be grateful for. So today, I’d like to take a moment to list some things I’m grateful for, in no particular order.

Deep fried turkey.

My trapeze studio.

My ridiculous puppy dawg Macy.

Green bean casserole.

The United Church of Christ.

My job.

Healthcare workers.

Black Lives Matter.

Star Trek.

Peach cobbler.

Comic books.

Warm coats on a cold day.

Coffee.

Baby Yoda.

Good friends.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The ability to pay my rent.

Doctor Who.

Cinnamon brooms in grocery store entryways.

The Beatles.

Face masks and vaccines.

Quiet neighbors.

Snow.

Teachers.

Baby goats in pajamas.

That one goose that ruins the whole V.

Clean water.

Canes, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.

Free speech.

My calling and ordination.

You, gentle listener.

And now it’s your turn. Maybe you’ve already shared some gratitude, but I promise. There’s no maximum limit. Why don’t you take five minutes now to ponder some things you’re thankful for, and when you’re done, you can set out again with wider, more wondrous eyes, as we continue together on this, our journey into the mystic.