Going In for Seconds: The Thanksgiving Effect

Lilia Grundy is aiming to keep the Thanksgiving spirit going long after the holiday.

The Thanksgiving Effect 

As we ran out of the forest-like trail, we proceeded downhill toward a street filled with neighbors clapping in support, ringing their cow bells, 

 “Great turkey hats!” they shouted.  

Continuing our run, we yelled back, “Happy Thanksgiving!” 

Yes, we are that family that participates in 5Ks without hesitating to get into the themed spirit. And it was an enthusiastic “Run for the Hungry” race that my family ran this past Thanksgiving.  

You could feel the positive energy all around—it was infectious. The emcee prayed a short prayer of thanks and the locals gave high-fives and hugs to friends and family.  

The gratitude continued into Thanksgiving Mass as Father gave a beautiful homily about being thankful for everything we have in our lives—for waking up, for bus drivers, for our family and even for our pains and sufferings.  

The Thanksgiving Cycle 

Just before our Thanksgiving feast, I needed to step into the grocery store to grab a few items. The self-checkout line always seems to move the fastest, so I proceeded there. I needed some assistance and the kind store associate I often see came to help me, 

 “You are the kindest and sweetest person ever! You are always so nice and when we patrons come here all stressed out, you are so calming,” I told her. 

She looked at me with surprised eyes but after receiving the compliment, replied, 

“Oh my goodness, thank you so much! YOU all make my days!” and gave me a big hug. 

That small exchange made MY whole day—because it was filled with genuine gratitude. And while I was thanking my associate for her help, I think in some way, she was grateful too for the recognition of her job well done.  

I wonder how many times a day I can say thank you to everyone who helps me—and how much more kindness in turn would go around if we all participated in this thanksgiving cycle. 

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Yes, I want seconds—seconds, thirds, and all I can get of that Thanksgiving spirit! #CatholicMom

The Thanksgiving Spirit 

Inevitably the “You’ve lost that loving feeling” effect will sneak back soon—when schedules change. When anticipated plans are cancelled. When health concerns arise. 

The past few weeks have been a roller coaster when my daughters came down sick as they were about to compete in the Junior Olympics USATF cross-country meets for the first time.  

But my family prayed before the girls competed and we gave it to God. We thanked Him for all the blessings despite the illnesses: the opportunity to move, to run, to travel to the competitions, to be together.  

It’s difficult to be thankful when so many things in our world are out of order. And still, God asks us to be thankful for everything. 

I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. (Philippians 4:12) 

Stating out loud why I’m grateful during hardships has been a work in progress. But saying “thank you” to God especially for waking up has been transformative. I understand many others do not have this privilege, and so, it’s my duty to live a meaningful life for those who cannot. 

So yes, I want seconds—seconds, thirds, and all I can get of that Thanksgiving spirit! And I hope that my fellow Catholic Mom community will join me in the Thanksgiving spirit. 

We must not let any season pass without thanksgiving. (Saint Athanasius) 

Copyright 2023 Lilia Grundy
Images: (top) Canva; all others copyright 2023 Lilia Grundy, all rights reserved.