There is a story in our Franciscan Tradition about "true and perfect joy."  At first blush, this is an odd little tale about Francis finding joy in rejection.  However, upon further reflection, it offers us an insight into what truly matters.  The story goes something like this:

One day Francis was on a long journey with Leo. They are out on a cold winter day, shivering through their thin habits, when Francis tells Leo that even if they become the holiest of all brothers it would not be perfect joy. They walk through the cold a bit further, and Francis says that even if the brothers become miracle-workers it would not be perfect joy. They walk on in silence, and Francis elaborates more, saying even if they become the wisest of all people, renowned for prophetic insights, this too would not be perfect joy. Francis continues describing magnificent visions of glory and success, saying that none of these would be sufficient. Finally, Brother Leo has had enough and asks Francis, “Teach me what is perfect joy.” 

The answer Francis gives is surprising; “If, when we arrive [at our destination] in the dead of night…all drenched with rain and trembling with cold, all covered with mud and exhausted from hunger…And if we knock, and the porter comes out in anger to drive us away with oaths and blows, as if we were vile impostors, saying, ‘Be gone, miserable robbers, for here you shall neither eat nor sleep!’ If we accept all this with patience, with joy, and with charity, O Brother Leo, write that this indeed is perfect joy.”

That concept of perfect joy probably seems confusing and counterintuitive to most of us. How could we find joy in such an unpleasant situation?  However, it is in this story that we see one of Francis’ principle insights: his awareness of God’s grace in all circumstances, good or bad. The capacity to be aware of this grace and to respond with gratitude, is what he called true and perfect joy.  It is the ability to find joy no matter what life brings, because the greatest gift, is the gift of life itself.

We are about to enter a season where great emphasis is placed on having more, doing more and being perfect.  This Thanksgiving, let us remember that we are enough, that our lives are enough.  May we find true and perfect joy in just being together.