A prayer to ponder

Today is Thanksgiving and despite the fact that Northern Ireland does not celebrate this holiday, the YAVs will all gather at Doug's house for a meal together. I am very grateful that Doug gives us this chance to be able to celebrate together and it should be a great time.

Since coming to Belfast, I have realized how much in my life I tend to take for granted, and how blessed I have truly been growing up and up to this point in my life.

I have a lot to give thanks for and I have made it a point every day to remind myself to give thanks to God for the opportunity to be here.

Not every day is great... or perhaps even week, but I am thankful that I am able to have bad and good  days, here in Belfast.

I am grateful that I get to wake up every day no matter if it is to the sound of rain or sun peering through the clouds. And I think I am most grateful and give thanks to God because I am able to realize these things about myself from this opportunity.

But yet, I also have to remind myself that others are not this fortunate, and when I am upset with trivial things, others are facing far worse conditions. I believe we all need to be reminded of what we have and be thankful for it, not just around Thanksgiving time but each and every day. It is a blessing from God.

This prayer was given to Beth by her small group leader at Orientation and I think it really hits home and is a reminder to us that we should never take anything for granted.

A Prayer For Those Who Have Too Much 

To my brothers and sisters in developing countries:

While I was deciding which oat bran cereal to eat this morning,
You were searching the ground for leftover grains from the passing wheat truck.

While I was jogging at the health center,
You were working in the wealthy landowner's fields under a scorching sun.

While I was choosing between diet and regular soda,
Your parched lips were yearning for the touch of water.

While I complained about the poor service in the gourmet restaurant,
You were gratefully receiving a bowl of rice.

While I poured my "Fresh and Better" detergent in the washing machine,
You stood in the riverbank with your bundle of clothes.

While I watched the evening news on my wide screen television set,
You were being terrorized and taunted by a dictatorship government.

While I read the newspaper and drank my cup of steaming coffee,
You walked the dusty, hot mules to the tiny, crowded schoolroom to try and learn how to read.

While I scanned the ads for a bargain on an extra piece of clothing,
You woke up and put on the same shirt and pants that you have worn for many months.

While I built a 14 room house for the three of us,
Your family of 10 found shelter in a one room hut.

While I went to church last Sunday and felt more than slightly bored,
You looked out upon the earth and those around you
And felt gratitude to God for being alive for one more day.

My brothers and sisters, forgive me for my arrogance and my indifference. Forgive me for my greed of always wanting newer, bigger, and better things. Forgive me for not doing my part to change the unjust systems that keep you suffering and impoverished. I offer to you my promise to become more aware of your situation and to change my lifestyle as I work for transformation of our world.

-Sr. Joyce Rupp