As we approach the day of Thanksgiving, it feels like this season of reflection should bring two things to mind for us. First, it should remind us of all of the things in this life for which we can give thanks. From the material blessings and the comforts they can bring, to the gifts of health, family, friends, a faith community, and the presence of Christ’s Spirit that are far more vital to our existence, the season of Thanksgiving should remind us that there are opportunities for giving thanks each day. Second, it should move us beyond a place of solely focusing on ourselves and our families. It should remind us of the needs those around us.
Whenever I take a moment to count my blessings, I am brought back to the call of Abraham as it is told in the book of Genesis. As we read the call story of the first chosen family, we read that God promises Abraham that he will be given great blessings of family, more descendants than he can count, and a land of promise. That all sounds wonderful, but there is a divine expectation hat comes along with it. Yes, God promises Abraham that he will receive many blessings, but God also says that through Abraham and his family God will bless the rest of the world. What I learn from Abraham’s story is that every blessing must be recognized as a gift from God. It is also never meant for me alone. It is always meant as a gift to be used to bless the world.
This season also makes me wonder if a sense of gratitude that moves us to recognize the needs of those around us is exactly what our world needs right now. We seem so focused upon ourselves, our families, and preserving our way of life from every perceived threat that we forget that God has called us to look beyond ourselves, and to move with empathy toward those around us. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, may be exactly what we need to begin to move us beyond the fractured and tumultuous time in which we live.
Divinely inspired empathy may just be what is missing in our world. It may be what we need to see the humanity in those around us. It may be the first step in stopping arguments around the Thanksgiving table over political issues that are far more nuanced that we would like to accept. It may be the first step to moving beyond the racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and misogyny that is being uncovered and revealed through horrific acts of violence. It may just be that empathy is the first step to healing the deep wounds that keep us entrenched in our tribal camps, and helps us recognize our common humanity.
Perhaps Thanksgiving can become a time of spiritual exercise for us. Start by naming and giving thanks to God for the people in your life that give it meaning and purpose. Do this as a family, like my grandmother used to. Go around the table and let everyone name one thing for which they are thankful. Second, look at the people around your table and see them. Really see them for all of who they are. Recognize their gifts. Give credence to their wounds. Encourage their aspirations. Then take that same spirit outside of your home as you begin the journey of Advent toward Christmas. Open your eyes and your heart so that you can really see the people around you. Be moved by an understanding of their experience of life. Find ways to feel what they feel.
Empathy, we should all give it a try. It may be what we all need today. It will humble us. It will help us see things through someone else’s eyes. It may open us to new perspectives and possibilities for how Christ is calling us to show the love of God to our neighbors. It may just help us to begin changing the world one person at a time.
Peace,
Rev. W. Mattison King