a thanksgiving blessing when you don’t feel terribly thankful

  
God, I am struggling to find my way toward gratitude this thanksgiving.
 
Help my heart find joy, for you know how much I need it.
come meet us in our needs that weigh so heavily upon us.
 
God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.
 
Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
Psalm 85:6
 
God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.
 

Blessed are we who come to you just as we are,
with our loneliness and loss, our scarcity and sorrow,
and say God, there is just not enough
though we’re not even supposed to say it today,
there is just not enough to go on:
not enough money to pay bills,
not enough jobs, nor safety for those who have them,
not enough wisdom to find solutions,
            not enough strength or comfort or connection. Things are just harder now.
 
Blessed are we who say, God,
could you come meet us here,
in this place?
This place of need where our feelings don’t match the day?
 
Blessed are we who hear You saying:
“come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.”
 
And we come.
And somehow there is rest,
and gladness for tiny, tiny graces.
 
Blessed are we, the truly thankful.
 
God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.
 
Settle. Place before your mind one gift of God.
And say thanks.
 
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3