Be Thankful

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

---Ralph Waldo Emerson

I went to an Ecumenical service last night at my church with my neighbor. It occurs every year on the eve of Thanksgiving at one of the churches... a time when all of the churches in our small town have the opportunity to worship together. And we listened to the Executive Director of the Food Bank in our state, talk about the needs in our community...the choices that some people have to make....whether to serve their children breakfast or dinner. So, as you move through this holiday season, think about those around you. When you see the collection boxes....try to add a couple of items to your grocery list to help make someone else's holiday a little brighter. How about the Marine Corp's Toys for Tots? I get so annoyed this time of year when I see the commercials for stores opening at ridiculous hours so consumers can "get the best deals"...it makes me wonder what happened to the true meaning of Christmas. Did we learn nothing from the financial crisis that hit last year?!! Instead of "gimme, gimme"...how about GIVE. The gift is in the giving. Peace.