November 29, 2004

“Count your Blessings” is a well-known maxim which often falls upon deaf ears, especially when those ears are attached to a head full of worries and woes. However, maxims don’t find their way to both bumper stickers and kitchen plaques without having some practical wisdom. “Easy does it” and “One Day at a Time” are especially popular with those involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. “Smile, God Loves You” and “Don’t Worry, be Happy” were popular in the past, but now are found only on faded T-shirts and pins hidden in junk drawers. Yes, some sayings may get stale and dog-eared, yet the truths they attempt to communicate remain hearty and fresh.

Maybe it’s good we will be eating turkey for at least four more days! Perhaps the turkey sandwiches and turkey salads may remind us to remain thankful. Those families who only say grace together on Thanksgiving might decide to continue throughout the year. If you always offer grace before meals, why not do the same after your meal. Finally, for those who feel somewhat satisfied and perhaps proud that they say grace before and after their meal, please consider the saints who pray during their meal! Yes, “Count your Blessings” not only before your annual turkey dinner, but often, indeed, every day.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting someone who reminded me that I had given them a penance in confession which they at first thought impossible, but silently accepted. This penance, they told me, was a turning point in their spiritual life. The penance I offered in the confessional was what I call a “rosary of gratitude” or a “litany of thanks”. “For each bead”, I said, “thank God for someone or something, for example, your ability to see, to hear, to get out of bed, to have an education, to be baptized…”

Well, my friend who thought she wouldn’t make it through one decade counted enough blessing for two full rosaries. Yes, when you think you’re emotionally or spiritually bankrupt, don’t forget the hidden box of blessings. It’s heavier than you think!

“Stop crying. Start counting.” This maxim may not make it to a refrigerator door, but it may just get you through the day.

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community Servant (superior), residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers
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