All of us have reasons to be grateful. For me, the word gratitude implies that I have received something. A warm feeling is felt from someone else's generosity. In particular, I am grateful to receive unexpected gifts from those who owe me nothing. During my first year at Saint Augustine's, I have been blessed by the generous caring, love and support of the clergy and parishioners. I was a stranger to whom you owed nothing and yet you welcomed me with open arms.

Gratitude, however, doesn't always come from being a receiver. The warm fuzzy feeling of gratitude is warmest when it accompanies the joy of being able to give without expecting anything in return. It isn't enough to feel grateful. We must express our gratitude by showing kindness and service to everyone around us.

During this season of gratitude, we will be inspired for every kindness we receive, to perform many acts of giving. The Susan Tree Ministry gives our parishioners the opportunity to complete the Circle of Gratitude by giving to the at risk children of NYA. We do this expecting nothing in return, except that warm fuzzy feeling. A Nilotic proverb from African Traditional Religions states that if you have a lot, give some of your possessions; if you have little, give some of your heart.