By Robert Sullivan
Thanksgiving Day is just one week away, and I can hardly wait. I love this holiday for several reasons: the food, the company of family and friends, the food, the special traditions and the food. In addition to these, I also find myself enjoying the preparation for Thanksgiving just as much as I enjoy the day itself. As a child, I prepared by helping my mother cook the meal, which was a three-day process. The first day was spent baking pies, the second was for making salads and preparing the food to be cooked and the third day was the cooking. Although I no longer do this, there are other ways in which I prepare for Turkey Day. I prepare myself physically, so that I may eat as much as possible. I prepare myself mentally, so that I may overcome the pains of eating too much. And I prepare myself spiritually, because it is a sin to eat that much.But on a serious note, there is one way I prepare for the holiday, and that is by making a Thanksgiving list. A few days before the feast, I spend some time reflecting on all the things, events and people that I have been thankful for in the past year. This is a way for me to express my thanks, so that I may enter into Thanksgiving with a sincere and grateful heart. It also allows me to celebrate the day well, since I can name everything for which I give thanks.Although it is not yet the time for me to begin writing this list, there are some things that I know I will include this year (note: these are not prioritized): 1. I am thankful for the opportunity to live and work at the University of Portland. Since I joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in the Fall of 2004, I have been eager to do full-time ministry, but have not had an opportunity to do so until this year. 2. I am thankful for the Holy Cross community at UP, for their support and good company. 3. I am thankful for the staff in the Office of Residence Life and the Office of Campus Ministry. They have helped me to grow in my role as a minister, and they are a source of happiness in my life. 4. I am thankful for the men of Villa, who constantly impress me with their passion for life and for this university. 5. I am thankful for the Encounter with Christ Retreat, which has shown me the rich faith of the student body. It has been truly moving for me to see so many students wanting to participate in the Encounter, whether as a member of the team or as a retreat member. 6. I am thankful for the students of UP, for their presence, their zeal and their desire to serve others. In an increasingly troubled world, they give me hope that all will be well.I have much to be thankful for, but I do not believe that I am lucky, or that I am fortunate. Rather, I am blessed. I am especially blessed to be living and working here at UP, and I am happy to find ways to express my gratitude, as I prepare to celebrate a day of being thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!
