Next Thursday people will gather with family and friends, fill their stomachs full of turkey and all of the yummy trimmings, watch football, fall asleep...or a combination of all. There will be laughter, free flowing wine or beverages of your choice, games, and tons of left overs.
For some odd reason, this year my heart is sad. I see the photos of homeless veterans who are cold and hungry. I see the faces of children who haven't had a hot meal or a hug for a very long time. I see pets left out in the cold, dumped at shelters or sometimes just by the side of the road.
If only I had a magic wand. None of this should be happening in my America. None of this should be happening in our world. The sad truth is that it's reality for many.
How can you make a thank-filled difference this year? How can you touch the life of a human or an animal and make it better? Please consider the following suggestions.
**Volunteer some time at a homeless shelter or a church that is serving a Thanksgiving meal.
**Stop at a local VA hospital and visit with one or more of the Veterans. You may learn something you didn't know!
**Provide a warm coat/gloves/hat for a child that may not have them.
**Volunteer/adopt a pet/provide bags of food to the local animal shelter or Humane Society.
**Hug your own children, regardless of their age. Make them feel loved and wanted.
**Show kindness and love wherever you go for the holidays...with no family bickering, with no one-up-manship. Do it because this may be your last time together. Do it because you've changed your heart.
It isn't rocket science. It's common sense. Be kind. Be loving. Be thank-filled for all you have. Share of yourself with your neighbors, friends, those less fortunate.
We have so much more than we need or ever use. Think about that when you see the ten pairs of shoes in your closet, or the eight purses hanging on the back of your bedroom door. Think about it when you go to your pantry and see there isn't room for one more can of anything to fit on the shelf. Think about it when you go to your freezer and can't find what you're looking for because there is such a surplus.
Adopt a new way of thinking...Be a blessing this Thanksgiving.
Wishing you a very thank-filled week.