Thanksgiving

Last weekend was Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. It really is a time, a bit like Christmas, when family becomes a focus. Many people who can, share a festive meal with family and maybe others who have none or are alone. It seems to be a time for sharing a meal and giving thanks for all that we have. 

But several days after, I was on the subway on my way to my volunteer work and I was standing beside a woman who looked utterly miserable. She looked incredibly tired and sad and almost, I would say, hopeless. Her nose at one time had obviously been broken and I wondered how or perhaps, who? At that moment I thought how easy it is for me to be thankful for family and sharing and the joy of friendship but what was it like for her - and for so many others? 

I have said before how challenging I find it to recognize the injustice of birth in this world. I can take no credit for being born with all I need. She did nothing to deserve being born into a life that was, perhaps, all struggle and even brutality. It is at the very least for me, a reminder that because we did nothing to deserve our birth gifts we do have to recognize our responsibility to work to make this a world in which everyone has all that enables them to flourish...We don't have to be rich in money or things, but I think everyone needs, indeed deserves, to be rich in love and peace and care. It is perhaps something we can help one another to achieve.

Finally, I just wanted to share another gift for which I do not know how to speak enough of my gratitude. For, during the month of September I was visiting the United Kingdom. That is to say, I was mostly visiting friends and most especially, the Sisters with whom I had shared some or most of my 30 years there - and several other friends associated with that life. It was an absolutely wonderful visit, indeed it was perfect. Two things struck me as most wonderful: the abundant hospitality that people offered and the gracious gift of friendship. I am so thankful. And thankful too...

For beauty

For family

And more beauty

For tranquility

For each one's beautiful humanity