On the eve of Thanksgiving 1972, my best friend Elissa
got a great idea—we should go to Thanksgiving Day mass.
It had nothing to do with religious devotion. It was
about the fact that it took a half hour to walk to Sacred Heart Catholic church,
an hour for mass itself, and a leisurely 45 minute walk home with a stop at
Johnston’s florist to buy a few mums for our mothers.
We
were wasting time. We sought a respite from our
Thanksgiving Day chores. And the best part of Elissa’s idea was that our
mothers would not refuse us permission. What mother could say no when their
child asked to go to mass?
And while I did not realize it at the time, the
entire experience was good for my soul. There was something unifying and
exalting as we sang We gather together to
ask the Lord’s blessing.
I found tranquility before the holiday chaos. And the
long walk home with a best friend expanded my heart. The intimacy of our
conversation shaped the person I have become.
It was time
well-wasted.
And I am thankful.
And so on this Thanksgiving, before the frenzy sets
in, take a few minutes to decompress. Remember all those who made you who you
are and be glad. You received the Lord’s blessing when you gathered together. Your Thanksgiving prayer was indeed answered.
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