At this time of Thanksgiving, it’s easy to be thankful for the
great food, loving family, or other obvious blessings in our lives.
Let’s not forget the little blessings, too. In this world of mass media,
there is so much focus on the negativity in our country, but there is
so much to be thankful for. Be thankful that we have food to eat and a
place to live. Be thankful that we are at peace on our home turf. Be
thankful that we have the freedom to be thankful, to protest, to want
lower taxes, to want higher taxes, to paint our hair purple. As much as
we tend to dislike about our existence, we still have it pretty good.
Even those who have very little still have much more than some do in
other parts of the world. True, there is always room for improvement,
but if we try, each one of us can find something to be thankful for,
both personally and as a citizen of our nation.
If you are more fortunate than something else, make a point over the
next few weeks to do something generous and kind for someone who is in
need. Don’t impose your personal values on the situation. Don’t do it
for the recognition or praise you’ll get. Don’t even tell anyone you are
doing it! Just do it for the love of it.
On this Thanksgiving, be thankful for the big things, but be thankful
for the little things, too! They mean a lot, and it’s easy to overlook
them. Here is a prayer, adapted from something I heard on TV once:
For food in a world where many walk in hunger,
For faith in a world where many walk in fear,
For comfort in a world where many walk in pain,
For friends in a world where many walk alone,
We give you thanks, God,
For all of the many blessings we share this day.
Amen
