Blogs

By Ann Zlotnik

We hear the phrase “count your blessings” so often that we may gloss over it. But do you ever simply stop and count them? To be thankful for them? What does it really mean to be thankful? 

The definition of the word “thankful” (courtesy of Merriam-Webster) is to be “conscious of a benefit received; expressive of thanks; well pleased, glad.”

This poem, taken from the All About Mary website, might serve as a prayerful reflection.

Thanksgiving Day Grace

Our Father, fill our hearts, we pray,
With gratitude Thanksgiving Day;
For food and raiment Thou dost give,
That we in comfort here may live.

With bread of life our spirits feed
And grant to us the grace we need,
Guide Thou our feet lest they should stray
From paths of righteousness away.

True service may we render Thee
In love and deep humility;
Deliver us from every sin,
In His dear name we ask. Amen.

— Luther B. Cross ¹

Reflection

Be conscious of your blessings — count them! Express your gratitude. Finally, be pleased. Be glad! 

Images from collections

Enjoy these images from the holdings of the Marian Library and the U.S. Catholic Special Collection thanks to Melanie Fields, Brian Kizer and Stephanie Shreffler.

— Ann Zlotnik is a graphic designer and the communications and creative coordinator for the University Libraries and the Marian Library.

 ¹ Armstrong, Helen. Prayer Poems. Freeport, New York: Books for Libraries Press, 1942.