A Personal Thanks

Thanksgiving in the USA is a season where traditions are remembered with fondness and carried on for generations. What we need to do is take pause for a day or two to be grateful for what we have been blessed with. 2018 was not a good year for me personally; family members and friends passed, others were diagnosed with serious incurable illnesses, still others diagnosed with serious illnesses that have been in remission. Some lost jobs, some suffered financial loss, others had relationships break up. I have experienced a setback in my own career ambitions and had to re-evaluate my Why and How.

But, yet, there is what the season of Thanksgiving is all about. So what am I grateful for? My faith in God; to hear His Word and efforts to live by His principles. For those who passed, they are certainly in a better place, in Heaven. For those who recovered from illness, the blessing of future health. For those who experienced loss, the recovery; gaining in strength and knowledge to avoid the reoccurrence. Family; we finally have set aside our differences and celebrate our commonality with joyfulness. Those people from bygone days, were they "friends of convenience" or true friends? Friends who care enough to get in my face and let me know when I'm wrong. The contacts I've made on LI; gosh how I appreciate the common interests, laughs and camaraderie that we share; I had no idea there were as many people out there who were "like me". You consistently lift me up when I need it, provide me with new knowledge and keep me sane. My America; we are uniting to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Can Do vs. what can others give us. What I have; maybe not everything I want (but does it enhance my life?) but what I need. I have a nice, warm house; reliable vehicle, good clothes to wear and good food to eat. I know there are those who don't have the necessities of life; remember them and be charitable. A career that I love and one where, upon reflection, I did make some difference and still can.

To those who read this; by all means, be joyful as you celebrate this Thanksgiving season! Get together with family and friends to feast and frolic! But take some time to reflect, be grateful for what you have, be charitable and kind to those who could use your help. I know you will feel better for it; I am most grateful for learning that lesson.