From The Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion: My Path to Sainthood

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My Path to Sainthood

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Today, I’m pondering my own path to sainthood as we embark on a month oriented toward giving thanks. Remembering my favorite saints, I wonder how they felt in the midst of their own spiritual journeys. How were they capable of offering up even their greatest sacrifices, seeing those things as a path to sanctity?

[Tweet "Proactively offer gratitude for the crosses you're called to bear. By @LisaHendey #prayercompanion"]

As I age, I’m trying to remember to proactively offer gratitude for the crosses I’m being called to bear. But I’ll admit to often failing, falling into “Seriously, God?” pessimism. Rather than seeing the chance to come to the aid of a loved one as another step toward holiness, too often I miss grace because I’m blinded by selfishness. But a deeper consideration of the saints we celebrate today, the canonized but also those known only in our own lives, reminds me that seeing the hand of God in all things—perhaps especially those we wouldn’t choose for ourselves—bears witness to the truths we profess.

Let’s give thanks this month not only for the Norman Rockwell moments, but also for the trials. Let’s embrace the chance to nurse an infant in the wee hours or to discipline the teen who just broke curfew. Let’s appreciate the budget that needs balancing, the roof that leaks, the layoff from work, or Nana’s health-care needs. In all circumstances, especially those that demand that we lean more deeply into God’s loving arms, let’s give thanks.

God, source of all bounty, allow me to embrace every moment of my path to knowing and loving you.

To Ponder: What struggles in your life require your gratitude rather than your grief?