Why I Am Thankful

Why I Am Thankful

From the moment of creation when each of us became the specific person we are, endowed with our own uniqueness and incredible special gifts, we are indeed a most lucky person. We have beaten the tremendous odds in nature's selection process to become a person, to be alive. Who cannot be thankful for the opportunity to be alive?

If you are reading this blog, you, as I am, are greatly blessed. For there are so many who, while lucky to be alive, will never glimpse much less experience the privileged lives we lead with our computers, cell phones, cars, warm homes, plentiful food and with an abundance never known by previous generations.

I am grateful for what I have and have been given. To me the greatest gift of any parent is the one I have known and possessed all my days, that is unconditional love from my parents, siblings, extended family and close friends. I will be in the company of many of them over this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. For that too, I am grateful and blessed and am eager to bask in the warmth of their love and friendship. No material gifts nor money can match such a magnanimous rewarding gift.

Reflecting on Thanksgiving and family brings to mind the powerful poignant lyrics of Tracy Chapman's "Heaven's Here On Earth" from her New Beginnings album.

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise
Of ordinary people leading ordinary lives
Filled with love, compassion, forgiveness and sacrifice
Heaven's in our hearts

In our faith in humankind
In our respect for what is earthly
In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding

Look around
Believe in what you see
The kingdom is at hand
The promised land is at your feet
We can and will become what we aspire to be
If Heaven's here on earth

Have a blessed safe holiday if you are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend. Wherever you are, regardless if it is a place where it is a mere late fall weekend, take a moment to rejoice for your blessings, gifts and your little piece of heaven here on earth just the same.

Please know I also am thankful, humbled and honored to have you as a reader of my blog.

All the best for a Happy Thanksgiving!