Sacred Ordinary

Thanksgiving is definitely my favourite holiday. As far as the church calendar goes, Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter are important liturgical seasons, but in the middle of ‘Ordinary Time’ we have this bonus day of celebration and it is so, so good.

Sure, an extra day off work is great. Eating good food, playing games and having a post-turkey nap are all reasons to love Thanksgiving. But what makes this day special to me, is how grounding it is to be grateful for ordinary things. Yesterday, we enjoyed food from our garden and our local farmer’s market (and StoveTop- of course). We sat around tables, on couches and outdoor chairs —anywhere you could find a seat really. We talked about work and parenting, told jokes and shared funny memories, did some colouring and played silly games. Pretty basic stuff really, and the theme throughout: thankfulness.

Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th CE Benedictine nun, wrote about viriditas —the greening power of God— the creative life force that connects all things to one another and to divine Goodness. This interconnectivity is what I celebrate on Thanksgiving. Food from the earth nourishes me and is shared with others in hopes of promoting and supporting one another’s flourishing. Viriditas hums throughout and is evident in green beans and roasted squash, smiles and full bellies, laughter and hugs. It helps me see divine Goodness in the midst of the ordinary, and for this I am so, so thankful.

- Lisa