Posted by BY J E SOLOMON
It’s Thanksgiving Day in the United States. People in other parts of the world, notably China, Rome and Korea have celebrated their Thanksgiving already, and others probably are yet to celebrate it. Whatever it is, there’s always a reason for us to be thankful every day and not just seasonally. In fact, there’re far too many things in our lives to be grateful for that we probably don’t even think of.
If you’re alive today and capable of walking, talking, seeing, hearing, working and enjoying the pleasures of surfing the internet; to have fun sharing photos, videos, etc. and to chat with friends and loved ones, be thankful to God. Some people aren’t that fortunate.
Bear in mind that some people might have lost their abilities to walk or talk, see or hear. Also don’t forget that others might have lost their capabilities and/or privileges to work and earn an income either through disabilities or some misfortunes. Think also about those who were born with disabilities and have to be dependent on other people for virtually every need. Be grateful and appreciate life if you’re fortunate to be walking, talking, seeing, and able to do things independently.
If you have a job and a shelter, be thankful to God. There’re millions of people out there who don’t have jobs and some of them are homeless.
If you’re over 50 and you still have all of your faculties and organs functioning, be grateful. There’re people in that age group in very unfortunate situations, dealing with chronic ailments that deprive them of normal life. Some have lost key organs, including the urge and excitement for love-making. So if you have all of your five senses functioning; all your organs healthy, and you have a partner be thankful to God.
If you’re a retiree and you still have all or most of your natural teeth and you can eat and masticate any food of your liking, be thankful to God. There’re some people younger who have lost all or most of their natural teeth and can’t even afford artificial teeth so they can enjoy their favorite foods.
If your biological father is alive and poor or, your father-in-law is alive and poor, still be thankful to God for their lives. There are people out there who aren’t fortunate enough to know or even see their biological fathers because they either disowned or neglected them completely.
I’m grateful to God for all of the people in my life – those who are friendly and kind toward me. I also appreciate the people in my life who appear inclined to always offer serious challenges. In fact, such people are a blessing, too. They present me with the wisdom to see the difference between the two opposites and a reason to really treasure the lives of people, including strangers who are very friendly and kind.
I’m full of gratitude to God for the third anniversary this month of www.jesolomon.com and for all those who have been very supportive of my efforts, especially the web designer and co-administrator, Chris, my family, and all the great and loving people on my regular email list and Facebook account. I thank them all for the inspiring and very interesting comments I always receive. May God richly bless and protect them.