Thankful

Several years ago, we were invited to have Thanksgiving dinner with our neighbors.

During the meal, the host ask us to talk about what we were thankful for. It was a great experience to declare our thankfulness and listen to others. I understand this is customary in many families.

We live in a world of negativity and sometimes don’t recognize it.

One of the best lessons I learned, was when I was picking up my friend from dialysis. I sat in the waiting room and listened to dialysis patients talk about the things they once did but now can’t.

Things like:

Get the trash cans out and back from the street.

Empty the dishwasher.

Get the vacuum out.

I was reminded that I have two good hands and feet and although I didn’t like to do any of these “simple” chores, I was equipped and needed to rethink how I approached them.

I am still thankful that I am equipped and have the health and well-being to “get to” do chores rather than “have to.”

This Thanksgiving, I will celebrate with the veterans of Transitions Plus.?This is a group that has been meeting at our church every Thursday evening for the last ten years.

As I learned from my neighbor, I will be asking them, “What are you thankful for?” and looking forward to hearing what they say because I know who they are and where they have been. Even though it has been over 50 years since some of them returned, some continue to suffer and are alone. Some can see that they “get to” while others are not there yet.

I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and challenge you to look for greatness in yourself and others.

So many may not have a joyous celebration to look forward to, let's lift them up in prayer.

I choose to be thankful and hope you will be too.

Watch for the blind spots.