On Giving Thanks

When it comes holidays, I am a traditionalist.  I believe Thanksgiving is a day we should set aside to be thankful for the blessings we have.  While we undoubtedly would be better off if we expressed gratitude every day, I hope we all spend a little time on this one day a year thinking of our family and friends and reflecting on the many gifts and opportunities we have all received.  (And personally, I don't think ignoring the holiday to spend the day Christmas shopping demonstrates gratitude or a thankful heart.  Sorry, but it doesn’t.)
 

What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving?  Many things.  Here is a partial list:

• This country.  So many of the other things on my list would not even be possible if we didn’t live in the country with more opportunity, freedom and equality than any other country in the world. 
• My family.  My husband and son have always been at the heart of what I do, and now I can add my daughter-in-law and granddaughter to the list.  Life would be very bleak indeed without them.
• My extended family.  While I might grumble at times about little spats within our extended family, I know that is all they are – minor squabbles.  I am thankful everyone on both sides of our combined family – brothers, sisters, and in-laws – gets along so well.
• Our country’s military.  They ensure the safety and security of this country, and quietly help people in other countries, with no participation trophies and little thanks for their sacrifices.  I will add their families to the list, too, for the sacrifices they make.
• My writing.  I am glad that (thanks to the first two bullets above) I am in a position now where I can devote myself to developing my writing career.
• God’s blessings on all of us.  I put this one last, because it envelops everything else on my list of things to be grateful for.  Without Him, none of the rest of this list would exist.

 
What are you thankful for?  I hope you can find a few quiet moments today to pause and reflect.  The Pilgrims stopped working and building and harvesting to give thanks for what they already had and for the bright future God had provided for them.  My Thanksgiving wish is that we all find time to put down the drumstick or mute the football game to do the same. 

Happy Thanksgiving.

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