Thanksgiving week is always a busy one. Not to say that others are less so, but it just seems that so much comes together in such a short period of a few days. Families will be arriving and gathering together to give thanks for the many blessings they have, good will and supportive outreach will be evident as food baskets are distributed to the needy, and the shopping season will get into high gear with massive “sales” and early-bird specials the day after Thanksgiving. I always find this week to be one of reflection and a little introspection. The reason? Thanksgiving always coincides with some key celebrations in my own personal life. Not least among these occasions is my anniversary of ordination, 18 years on the 19th. It is truly difficult for me to believe that it has been so many years, the time flying by so quickly. And the older I get … In these 18 years I have been privileged to minister in five parishes, assigned to the Bishop's Office as both Bishop Gelineau's and Bishop Mulvee's priest secretary, and served as Diocesan Director for the Office for Worship. I have had a chance to either offer or assist at mass in just about every parish in the Diocese of Providence, been involved in ceremonies with the Holy Father as well as the poorest in the community. Honored to be part of countless funerals and weddings, baptisms and confirmations and in all of them have met people who I may not remember all the names, but so many of the faces and a bit of each of their stories. I have been called upon to teach and preach untold numbers of times, perhaps too long, but never too many. I have been challenged spiritually and personally over and over again to grow and learn, to trust and surrender. I still have so much more to do in that regard. As I think about all that has taken place these last 18 years, I must admit that none of it was possible without the presence of God in my life. I certainly would never have expected to be part of the life I now have if not for Him and His will for me. There have been plenty of mistakes made along the way, all by me alone and never by the Lord, and every struggle has arisen when I have not trusted enough or whenever I have put myself in the driver's seat, a place I know I like to be. He has taught me that I am not perfect, though I strive to be, and He has taught me that His love will always surround me, in spite of myself oftentimes. He continues to bless me every day with opportunities of grace, chances for forgiveness, and occasions of mercy, both through and for me. This Thanksgiving week, I pray that the blessings poured out on us will not go unnoticed or taken for granted, and that through every one of them, we may all see His presence. I pray that each of you will come to realize more fully each day the love He has for you, and ask you to pray for me this week. Pray that I may be a better instrument of His presence among you, in obedience to His will and in humility of His Spirit. In Thanksgiving,

© 2006 Peter J. Andrews