Giving thanks despite misgivings
As a nation, we struggle to come to grips with a justifiable disillusionment in and mistrust of our own government. This has been a very difficult year for Americans
as we contend with the adverse effects of unstoppable government meddling in our economy, industry, culture, and personal lives.
And yet the Fall harvest is once again come in. Our supermarkets are brimming with bounty as we prepare to celebrate "A day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which we are blessed."
This Thursday, all across America, families will sit down to a festive dinner that celebrates a tradition reaching back hundreds of years. Thanksgiving directly connects to the day a persecuted people set aside to offer thanks to God for their survival. Devoid of all comforts, these religious refugees were truly thankful for their severe new life in an often harsh new world.
Our lives are bountiful
Each of us, even those amongst us with needs, can be thankful for our good fortune -- at least in some small measure. There are many things in our lives that cause us to feel this way, to feel grateful for the bounty that graces our lives.
The simple reality of being an American is deemed a bounty throughout the world, a bounty for which millions have striven and died. Your dearest friend who has graced your life with deeds and kindnesses -- who was there when you were lost or in need -- is bounty beyond price. For those of you who can claim family members who always seem to be there and know just what to say or do when life lays you low, give thanks because you are blessed.
Fortunate despite hard times
Are not all of these things bounty? Absolutely, and all of you who read this are fortunate indeed if you have such people of quality sharing your lives. Such blessings transcend the state of any economy.
I am a man of faith and give God my Father thanks for all that He has done and will do for me, even when times were not good, during illness, or when I lost a loved one. Our lives are comprised of both the good and the harmful. Would it therefore be proper to give thanks when times were good without giving thanks when times were troubled?
Of course not, for even during the worst of times, there is still much in our lives for which to give thanks.
This Thanksgiving, many of us won't be able to share time or a meal with our families, or with our closest friends. Yet in our own way we can willingly give thanks to God and to those we hold dear.
And please, find time in your thoughts for our brave boys and girls in harm's way overseas. Send a Thanksgiving email or letter to the troops if you can. I can tell you from experience that it will be greatly appreciated.
Hype and Chains Happy Thanksgiving to you all.