by Vincent Truong, nSJ

In his weeks with us as a Jesuit Novice, Vince became an integral part of the fabric of Ananda. We will miss him as he continues his journey with the Jesuits.

I have been reflecting on the purpose of celebrating Thanksgiving. There is something to be said about gathering together in times of strife and darkness or joy and success to share a meal and give thanks.

One of my favorite moments in a day is whenever we eat dinner. There is such a joy as we participate in the meal together. Often for our dinner prayer, we begin by praying for the things that we are most thankful for. Loyally, Stacie prays for Sue or a cappuccino. Les prays often for the Sounders or whatever he looks forward to that week. Bobby by picking words from a bowl prays for things ranging from family to peace, friends, and joy. Cindy prays in thanksgiving for an assistant or for her Seahawks. They remind me that there is so much to be thankful for. Am I willing to search for those things?

The beauty of gratitude is that it exists in darkness and in light, whether we notice it or not.

In reality there are hard days and easier days. There are days when I am tired of responding to the same question or of folding the ever present laundry. There are days when I just don’t want to cook another meal or change another pair of briefs.

Even in those moments, there are things I can be thankful for. Even in those moments, there is grace.

To all those at L’arche:

I’m thankful for your acceptance of me, a total stranger, when I walked through the doors of Ananda.

I’m thankful for all of your patience as I clumsily learn the routines.

I’m thankful for your forgiveness for the times I fail to understand your desires and hopes.

I’m thankful for both humbling me and appreciating me.

I’m thankful for all of you teaching me to be thankful.