One of the best things about Thanksgiving (besides stuffing) is reflecting back on all that there is to be thankful for in our lives.
Although it is human nature to grouse about the things we dislike or lack (or better yet, think we lack) we do know in our hearts that for the most part, we are a fortunate nation of people who in the true scheme of things are not only blessed with what we need but have been given the added gift of overabundance. It is for this very reason that we even set aside a day to thank God for his blessing and celebrate our good fortune.
Simply because of where we were born, we can very easily forget that so many around the world are doing without the most basic of things, which we take for granted every day. It is with this in mind that I take this day and a moment out of every day to say the following to God our Father:
In a world where millions hunger, I have more than my fair share to eat… thank you God.
While countless masses thirst in villages with no river or wells, for me pure water is only as far as the faucet on my sink… thank you God.
I live in a nation where, although my government is not perfect, I actually have the right to say so without fear of retribution, punishment or worse… thank you God.
I have my eye sight to see all of the splendor that you have placed in this world for us and my hearing to enjoy every beautiful sound from music to the tranquility of a thunder storm, a simple songbird, and a baby’s laugh… thank you God.
My health, although far from perfect, is good. I have nothing terminal and the pains and problems that I do have, are conquered by a sense of determination and will power instilled in me by years of example from a wonderful mother… thank you God.
I share my life with a partner who makes everything I have even better as well as helping me though my losses… thank you God.
I come from the world’s best family bar none; yes there may be others AS loving, thoughtful, and kind but none MORE SO… thank you God.
I am loved by friends, neighbors, and coworkers whom I deeply respect and whose love I return… thank you God.
I believe that even my dogs were sent to me to help me though moments of rough patches and to remind me to smile every single day of this beautiful life you gave me… thank you God.
I don’t know why it should be that in a world where tens (if not hundreds) of millions are suffering, I have been blessed with so much. I only know that I do not take these gifts and blessing lightly. I take nothing for granted and I pray to you my Lord God to lead me to the path you have chosen for me in this life. Help me to know how I can do my part to make the world a better place and to touch the people in my life, even in a small way, that they too will feel the joy of your love and the peace of their own countless blessings.
Joyful, joyful we adore you, God of glory Lord of love.
Hearts unfold like flowers before you, opening to the sun above.
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine!
Happy Thanksgiving one and all. May each day of your life bring you even more reasons to be thankful.
Until next time
Don
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