As we approach the Thanksgiving Day holiday, it is good to remember that every day should be a thanks-giving day. I truly believe that the happiest people are those who live a heartfelt spirit of gratitude. We are so blessed by our loving God and the goodness of people and opportunities in our lives. The practice of gratefulness leads us to a commitment to live in the light of all we have been given. 

For what are you thankful this year? 

I mean, truly full with thank-yous. If you’re like me, you could make a list of the usual things, though they have different meanings for each of us. Family. Health. Income. A home. Faith. Friends. Food. Some security. Freedom. Clean water. Fresh air. Transportation. Electricity. While they may be obvious, most of us take many of these things for granted rather than being grateful for them on a daily basis. Still, when asked “For what are you thankful?” these come to mind, especially if we have what we need or think we need.

For what else are you thankful?

We might say that our phones have stopped ringing with political solicitations, or that the Packers are having a good season, or that we’re glad it hasn’t snowed yet. We could mention the project that went well, or that stocks went up or that we have a jump start on the next holiday. And more.

For what else are you thankful?

Most of us don’t think of the more intangible things. Have you thought about being thankful for acceptance? Assertiveness? Compassion? What about creativity or discernment or enthusiasm? Flexibility. Gentleness. Hope. Initiative. Justice. Mindfulness. Optimism. Perceptiveness. Reliability. Sacrifice. Simplicity. Strength. Tact. Tolerance. Truthfulness. Understanding. Wisdom. Wonder. Zeal. These are only some of the virtues that help us to be aware of our inner life. We may be thankful for these virtues in ourselves or for ones we see and experience in others.

For what else are you thankful?

Sometimes the small things bring the most to our lives. Like the simple card made by a child to brighten our day. Or the email or text from a friend. Or the sunrise. Or the antics of the squirrels in our yard. Or seeing friends at church. Or reading favorite comics in the paper. Or enjoying a bowl of favorite ice cream. Or a loving embrace from one we love. Imagine what life would be like without things like these!

For what else are you thankful?

Many of us aren’t thankful for the challenges and difficulties in our lives. But without them, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to grow or deepen in the same way. All of us have these experiences. And while it seems like a contradiction, being thankful for setbacks and sad times can help us to see God right there with us. They can enable us to slow down, to reach out, to reach inside ourselves, to appreciate what we have because we have experienced a loss or a downfall.

Why be thankful? It’s a basic attitude of life that helps us appreciate who God is, who we are, and what it means to be good stewards who are willing to share our time, talents, and resources for the good of others. 

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Msgr. Larry M. Bakke is pastor for St. Clare of Assisi Parish and director of the Apostolate to the Handicapped for the Diocese of Madison.