When I was growing up we always went to my grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a feast and we were truly thankful. After dinner my grandmother would get out the Sears Wish Book and my sister and I would circle all of the things we wanted for Christmas. Looking back on it, what a strange combination of gratitude and greed. In the spiritual life there is reason for gratitude. St. Paul says “You were enriched in every way … so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift.” Feeling lost or confused or lonely is a product of wanting something which is really not necessary for our happiness. Once we recognize how blessed we already are, we can give thanks for what is.