Giving Thanks

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This morning I awoke after a sound sleep.

Thank you, God, for the gift of peaceful rest. I pray for those who are unable to sleep because of worry or illness or strife.

This morning I got up out of my own bed.

Thank you, God, for the gift of being able to live in my own home, and for the gifts of life and health. I pray for those who are ill or dying, or away from home, and for those who have no home for whatever reason.

This morning I had a good breakfast.

Thank you, God, for the gift of food, which for me is plentiful and readily at hand. I give thanks for the farmers and ranchers who provided this food, for the truckers who transported it, for the grocery store workers who made it available. And I pray for those who are hungry, especially for those in regions of famine, and I will obey the prompting you just put in my mind to double my donation to the food bank and to Catholic Relief Services, which helps farmers in many countries incorporate sustainable farming methods.

This morning I turned on the faucet and got clean water to drink, and for a shower.

Thank you, God, for giving me the gift of living in a city that provides safe, clean water. I pray for those who live where the water is unsafe to drink, and also for those whose homes don’t have modern plumbing, and for those who must walk for miles to bring water back to their homes, and for those living in drought-stricken areas.

This morning I reached into my closet and got dressed in clean work clothes.

Thank you, God, that I have clothes for both work and play. I pray for those who have no clothing, or who are in need of appropriate clothing. And I will heed your whisper to go through my closet and donate my surplus to Catholic Community Services, which has a clothes closet for those in need in Salt Lake City.

This morning I left my home without worry.

Thank you, God, for the gift of a safe environment, where I need not live in fear that my house will be broken into, or that I might be assaulted or robbed at gunpoint. I pray for those who live in fear of such violence, and for those living in areas of armed conflict.

This morning I drove to work.

Thank you, God, for my job, which provides me with the means to afford my home and my car and allows me to purchase food and pay my bills. I pray for those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This morning I attended Mass.

Thank you, God, for the gift of faith, and for the gift of living in a country where I may practice it freely. I pray for those who have no faith, for those who are searching for belief, for those who are persecuted for their beliefs. I pray, too, that I may accept and welcome those whose faith differs from mine. As Nostra aetate, proclaimed by Pope Paul VI at the end of the Second Vatican Council, states: “The Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against men or harassment of them because of their race, color, condition of life or religion. On the contrary, following in the footsteps of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, this sacred synod ardently implores the Christian faithful to ‘maintain good fellowship among the nations’ (1 Peter 2:12), and, if possible, to live for their part in peace with all men, so that they may truly be sons of the Father who is in heaven.”

This morning I saw the beauty of the autumn leaves.

Thank you, God, for the gift of your creation, and I pray that all humankind will take care to protect and preserve it for future generations.

This morning I sent texts to a couple of family members.

Thank you, God, for the gift of family. I pray that you bless my family and friends, keep them safe and healthy. And I pray for those who have no family, that they may find solace.

All this I ask, Lord, and I give you thanks. Amen.

Marie Mischel is editor of the Intermountain Catholic. Reach her at marie@icatholic.org.