Thanksgiving

I am grateful for

• ​my Mom’s smile, every time, for as long as I have her,
• rocky road ice-cream and everything it stands for,
• how beautiful our church building is, inside and out, and how even more beautiful are the people who fill it,
• humor that is kind and really funny,
• red wine so dry and chocolaty that it makes your cheeks hurt,
• the view of the city and the Channel Islands, when the mist lifts,
• beautifully selfless parish staff who treat people kindly,
• the smell and taste of chai tea, its warmth and milky deliciousness,
• crisp, clean sheets,
• spicy food,
• dear friends who make me happy,
• my warm and safe home,
• the ocean, its waves, sounds, secrets,
• how close the ocean is,
• singing at Mass – my most prayerful moments,
• a warm bed with heavy covers,
• smoky, peaty Scotch, neat, with a fire in the fireplace,
• making Grandma’s spaghetti sauce and getting it right,

• memories of Christmas, past and present, and the decorations,
• the choirs at the 9 and 11 am Masses, whatever they choose to sing,
• deep, dream-forgotten sleep,
• a slightly dirty martini, with blue cheese stuffed olives
• the volunteer ministers who so quietly and lovingly make our Sunday Masses work so seamlessly,
• picnics! at the beach! or maybe the Hollywood Bowl!
• travel and adventure,
• Sudoku, maybe…
• the sight of children running eagerly to faith formation (something is going on there),
• the smell of rosemary, and the green woodsy taste it promises,
• food shared with others,
• memories of the Camino, sore feet, a happy heart and the way before me,
• the techie stuff (iPhone, iPad, computer) that have opened up the whole world to my seeking mind,
• seeing one of my students at the seminary get it,
• living in Camarillo, with you.
• my sense of companionship with God.

An odd list, I grant it, but I’m sticking with it and adding to it this week. I pray that your list is long, and quirky and filled with things and people to bring you happiness and closeness to God.

Siempre adelante,
Fr. Patrick

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