Thanksgiving is the time of year in which we Americans think especially about our blessings.
In sermons, Sunday school classes, civic clubs, and homes, people will concentrate on their blessings and why they are thankful. I am thankful for many things during this Thanksgiving. Here are just some of the blessings for which I am personally thankful.
I am thankful for the gift of life which God has graciously given me. Yes, life is a precious thing. One realizes how precious it is mostly when one gets very sick and comes close to death. In my opinion, it is a great opportunity just to experience the joy of living on planet earth.
Also, I thank God for my family. We all need the intimacy and reinforcement the family structure can provide. Some speculate that the family as we know it is becoming obsolete. To be honest, I really doubt that. In a mechanized, technological, impersonal society like ours, we have the psychological need of close, warm, personal relationships. The family can meet this need.
I am thankful for people who still believe in hard work, honest living, concern for others, and sacrifice. In a time of hedonistic values, it is good to see some folks who still believe there is more to life than simply getting.
Another reason I am thankful is that we live in a great country. Our constitutional, democratic form of government is, in my opinion, much better than the various forms of dictatorship which prevail in the world today. To those who think that America is such a terrible place in which to live, let them live in Russia a while and then compare.
I am thankful that there are still a few people who believe in God; in heart-felt religious experience; in sex only after marriage; in kindness and tenderness; in living a life patterned after Jesus Christ.
One can also give thanks for fried chicken, sorghum syrup with hot biscuits and butter, crisp apple cobbler, and whatever you and your family want especially for this Thanksgiving season.
I am thankful for the seasons of the year, the various colors of the autumn leaves, the chill of a winter morning, the refreshing fragrance of a spring rain, and the brightness of a summer sky.
I am also very thankful for my health. It is true that health is much more important than money, riches, and fame. As a minister I visited those in hospitals and rest homes. It is sad to see people in pain. If you have your health today, give a special word of thanks to God.
Thanksgiving is a special time of year. Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are certainly a part of it. But, the most important thing about Thanksgiving is that it gives us a special opportunity to thank God for our blessings and to contemplate how fortunate we Americans are.
It's great to see you are staying more out of politics now and at least we will have a break from it for at least two years. Your more positive attitude fits you; thanks! Now that Romney lost and is a sore loser, perhaps those that supported him will become what is known as "the loyal opposition."
Reverend, please continue this pattern of thought. Most people go through life expressing what they DON'T HAVE instead of being appreciative for what they DO HAVE regardless of how little. Even if you are living on noodles, isn't it better than living on nothing at all?
In the movie "Three Idiots" the main theme was not to chase success but instead chase excellence in whatever you do and success will chase you.
Thanks again.