I have much to be grateful for this year, more than can be summed up in a blog post. However, though it can't convey the extent of my gratitude, I would feel remiss not to share my profound thanks for the incredible kindness and generosity of family and friends. Though I don't thank them by name here, for the sake of their privacy, I pray they know who they are, how deep my appreciation, and how much they mean to me. And, above all, my gratitude to the Lord God and His blessed Mother, for giving me the gift of these people in my life, for saving my brother and myself from a truly dire situation, for boundless comfort and strength during a period of deep grief, fear and stress and for countless other blessings this year. No words can express the depth of my thanks. Nonetheless:
Almighty Father,
You are lavish in bestowing all Your gifts,
and we give You thanks for the favors You have given to us.
In Your goodness,
You have favored us and kept us safe in the past.
We ask that you continue to protect us
and shelter us in the shadow of your wings.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer of Thanksgiving, Companion Prayers, from the Companions of St. Anthony, Ellicott City, MD)
