We live in troubled times and often turn a “blind eye” to the world around us. Thanksgiving marks another reminder that life is precious… we need to slow down and make the best of our time on Earth. The enemy wants to take us down and disrupt our peaceful way of life: This marks another record week with horrific mass terrorist attacks, natural disasters, civil war and genocide, domestic abuse and murders. Sometimes we forget about the less fortunate homeless people who struggle daily for a decent meal, proper shelter and clean clothes. For some people, Thanksgiving means pumpkin pie, football and stuffing yourself with turkey, but it’s also a time to give thanks for the wonderful things in life. When you join family and friends at Thanksgiving, are there any particular meaningful prayers or blessings that you want to bestow on others? We take it for granted, but we should express gratitude. Here are 5 key things to appreciate and give thanks for during this festive holiday weekend:
Good health and prosperity
This Thanksgiving, there will be families particularly homeless individuals lined up in front of food shelters, hoping to receive a meal. Be grateful you are not one of them, and be compassionate to those who persevere in these hard times. We are quick to judge and you don’t know their story! I am grateful for good food, and shelter above my head. I have clean water access to modern medicine and a good healthcare system. Be grateful, we don’t live in poverty. In Africa, people are dying daily from the Ebola virus that they can’t cure or living in civil unrest. We do have our fair share of scares, but we also have medicine for the everyday cold, easily available clinics, and innovative hospitals that are accessible. Do you have a good rewarding job that you are passionate about? Having access to these amenities is great, but having good mental and physical health is critical to your success and allows you to enjoy life. You don’t necessarily need to be rich to be prosperous either!
Men and women in uniform keep us safe
We need to be vigilant when it comes to violence, war and terrorism in our society: we can’t let this drag us down and let fear rule our lives! The act of terror in the city is not restricted to one city or nation. We should be thankful and indebted to the men and women in blue that protect us whether it is the RCMP or local police department. The military on active duty in our country and around the world are willing to protect our country and safety. Let’s give thanks! We forget about our underappreciated military and armed forces overseas that are involved in humanitarian missions and peacekeeping duties. And, best of all, they are proud to serve our country. Think of them this Thanksgiving while you’re surrounded by your family: they could be thousands of miles away, just hoping to Skype or Face-time with their loved ones.
Family, friends and loved ones
Family isn’t always about the people in your life who are blood relations or biological. It’s the people in your life who love you, respect you and who you can depend on. We are all busy and live in hectic, frantic times, especially for those who work full-time and have children. Now is the time to connect with them even if it is only one or two times per year. Perhaps, that is all we can tolerate? Regardless of the circumstances or if you have “skeletons in the closet”, we need to embrace and cherish them. Often it is loved ones or family that are willing to help us, make us laugh when we are done, and shelter us when we need sheltering. Love surrounds us all in its glory, and it helps us rise when we fall—it’s one of the most important things we all have.
God and the Creator
Whether you believe in God or not, you must agree that we were conceived from some greater being or Creator. The evolution of Man or humans evolved over 3 billion years ago and it is hard to discredit a historical document like the bible. We were created in the “Image of God” and we should ask God for blessings and answers to our prayers. It doesn’t come easy as sinners, but we can accept Jesus as our Savior and move forward in being of service to others, who need and want it. You can help at the local mission or shelter during Thanksgiving. Think about what you can do for the Father. Saying grace at the dinner table or saying your prayers before bed is a good start. The Bible, the good gospel, says that everyone should thank and praise the Lord at all times.
Freedoms and Liberties
Especially true for women and minorities. Imagine, if we lived in a world where we couldn’t vote, or choose who we married. While Canada isn’t perfect, we are more open-minded towards other ethnic groups, landed immigrants and refugees. We still have some work to do where everyone gets treated fairly and equally, but we do fare better than most countries. Peaceful protests and demonstrations are welcome and we are not persecuted for standing up to our beliefs. A lot of times we take them for granted. Alleged criminals are not presumed guilty and are tried in court with a judge and jury under the Constitution Act. Just have to look at the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter protects several rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and the right to equality. Something we should cherish and not take for granted!
So remember…
While you enjoy picking at the turkey drumstick before dinner, take a minute or two and give thanks. There is more to Thanksgiving than “stuffing your face” and watching football on the “boob tube.” Be appreciative of the fortunes in your own life and the freedoms and liberties we have as a nation. Give thanks and remember—no matter what your struggle or tragedy we endure, it will get better. Happy Thanksgiving!
