Thanks be to God(October 1, 2017) THANKS BE TO GOD Thanks be to God for roses rare, I remember learning that hymn, an assignment from my vocal teacher, many years ago. I remember it also because it was sung at our wedding. Whenever I hear the phrase ‘Thanks be to God’ the melody and words start running through my mind, challenging me to sing aloud. I wonder if other people are afflicted with that kind of memory/song association? 
October means fall and Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Thanks giving Day is a holiday in October for us and in November for the Americans. In both countries people enjoying a long weekend complete with a big, family dinner. Fall decorations are hung. We give thanks for the bountiful harvest and reflect upon our blessings. Thanksgiving is a holiday, but surely every day is a day for giving thanks? St Vincent de Paul told his followers, “We should spend as much time thanking God for his benefits as we do asking for them.” Perhaps I need to reflect on my personal prayer life. Do I spend as much time saying thank you as I spend asking for things? Or am I the child who begs for one thing after another, saving thanks for special occasions, like Thanksgiving Day? Can I begin and end each and every day with thanks? And is it also possible to fill in the day with a variety of thank yous? How about ten thank yous a day, for a start? And no listing the names of ten family members! As someone who writes messages, blogs, reflections, etc. for the ONRC, I was moved by something Blessed Frederic wrote to God when he knew he was close to death. I know I could never be as accomplished a writer as he was, so I think I will adopt his written prayer as my own: When you chain me to my bed for what is left of my life
Thanks be to God!
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