by Father Mark Goldasich
Ah, November! I celebrate that you’re here.
I always looked forward to this month because it meant celebrations, starting with the solemnity of All Saints and ending with the feasting of Thanksgiving. Sometimes, we even get to welcome the beginning of Advent with its joyful anticipation of Christmas.
November was a special time in my family because it was filled with birthdays and all that goes with them. My dad and a cousin started us off on Nov. 1, and another uncle and aunt followed later. A good number of friends were born in this month as well. Finally, always before Thanksgiving, I celebrate my birthday.
The older I get, the more my birthday celebration expands. It’s now up to a whole month! This year, I even get the honor of marking a milestone birthday on Nov. 20: the 40th anniversary of turning 30.
A parishioner and I were talking a few weeks ago about the need to celebrate more — not just birthdays, but so many other things in life. It’s easy to become depressed and cynical in these days with the steady diet of bad news that comes into our homes through the daily news outlets or social media. This mindset can blind us to the abundant blessings that surround us every day.
This old European legend can point us to an antidote, a different way to live:
A traveler came across a barn where the devil stored seeds that he planned to sow in the hearts of people. There were bags of seeds variously marked “Hatred,” “Fear,” “Lust,” “Despair,” “Unforgiveness,” “Envy,” “Greed” and “Addiction.”
Out from the shadows, the devil appeared and struck up a conversation with the traveler. He gleefully told the man how easily the seeds sprouted in the hearts of men and women everywhere.
“Tell me,” the traveler asked, “are there any hearts in which these seeds will not sprout?”
Glancing about carefully, the devil whispered, “Yes. These seeds will never sprout in the heart of a kind, generous, thankful and joy-filled person.” (Story found in Father Brian Cavanaugh’s “Sower’s Seed That Nurture Family Values: Sixth Planting.”)
As I anticipate another birthday, I’m overcome with emotion at how blessed I continue to be with so many things to celebrate: my wonderful parents, loving extended family, good and faithful friends, educational opportunities, caring educators, good health, nourishment and shelter, meaningful work and excellent coworkers, my Catholic faith and priesthood . . . and on and on.
I invite you to join me in making this month a litany of celebration. Thank God for the smallest things: the sound of crunching leaves under your feet, the feel of the crisp autumn air on your skin, the smell of popcorn or freshly baked bread, the touch of a hug from family or friends, the taste of steaming hot chocolate.
Several years ago, Father David Knight gave a retreat at Sacred Heart in Tonganoxie. Among the many gems of wisdom he scattered, one has become a constant companion. He labeled it “rinkydink prayers.”
For example, if I’m in a rush to get somewhere and approaching an intersection and the traffic light stays or turns green, I utter, “Thank you, God!” If I’m exhausted and an appointment unexpectedly cancels, I say a quick, grateful prayer. When I’m privileged to spend time with close friends, I tell God thanks so much.
On my kitchen table is a small sliver of paper with a quote from the writer Ray Bradbury that reminds me to celebrate each day. It reads: “Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in 10 seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.”
And if this created world is so wonderful, imagine what we’ll have to celebrate in heaven!
