A Spirit of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

This year has been a difficult one for many of us. There have been changes in our economy, to our structural systems, to our government, and to our ways of life. Too many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and to provide food for their children. Too many hard working people are becoming unemployed due to corporate greed. Too many young people are being left with unimaginable debt and unable to join the workforce to no fault of their own. No matter what corner of this country you reside in, everyone has felt the weight of the problems we are facing collectively.

Yet, even in the midst of troubling times and hard decisions, we should take time to be thankful. It's easy to miss the blessings we have all around us when we are in pain or worrying about life changing events. For each liberty and economic opportunity we feel like we've lost, there are things that we take for granted every day that are huge blessings, from health, to property, to skills, to friends and family.

It is in these times that we should be working more closely with one another, rebuilding our interpersonal networks and relationships. Talking with your friends and family and sharing your stories will bring you closer to the Thanksgiving Spirit. It's much easier to appreciate the few good things you have in life when you can reflect on your situation and gain some perspective. The conversations with your network of people will bring you closer to that realization. For those who don't have someone to go to, open yourselves up to a local church or non-profit group. You'd be surprised how many people are genuinely there to help you, no matter your background or circumstance.

Once we realize that we have an overabundance, enough to share just a little bit with others around us, we can act on that spirit of giving, whether it is something tangible like food, or simply your time and presence. This is what the Spirit of Thanksgiving is all about.

So, as we continue to trudge our way through the harsh realities of our lives, continue to give thanks for the few positive things that we have, because those positives can be a roadmap to some peace of mind and a Spirit of Thanksgiving.