I am delighted that Canadian Thanksgiving occurs amidst the glories of autumn. Fall has a beauty all its own. During my morning walks, I’m in awe of the amazing changes occurring all around me. The sun is still warm on my skin but there is a pungent smell in the air as trees begin to change their leaves from green to yellow, orange, and red. The sumac wears her crimson gown. Roses fade while asters, zinnias, and fall flowers show their purples, rusts, and golden hues. It reminds me of the school fair displays of flowers long ago. Grass grows longer and dew covers the lawn. Overhead, I imagine the chirping birds are telling each other it’s time to fly south to the warmer climes. Even the resident turkeys are keeping their distance from us these days.
Often, the autumn scene causes me to break into a quiet song as I wander throughout the neighbourhood. Thanksgiving hymns from my childhood that are still sung today rise spontaneously from deep within my being. I find the famous, “Now Thank We All Our God” surfacing and “For the Beauty of the Earth” giving voice to my elation. Sometimes, it’s “God Created Earth and Heaven”; other times it’s “How Great Thou Art.” No, I don’t forget The Old 100th tune, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.”
““With gratitude in your hearts, sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God” (Colossians 3:16).”
I think I’m in good company with autumn praise. St. Paul himself encourages us by exhorting, “With gratitude in your hearts, sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God” (Colossians 3:16). Probably, you too, often respond to thanksgiving with song. Whether alone or in smaller groups to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let us remember that God’s blessings are abundant and renewed each day and in every season of our life.
- Sister Jean Moylan, csj