American’s just celebrated a day of Thanksgiving. It was a time of family, food, fun and reflection of the many blessings in our lives. The very first Thanksgiving was a harvest celebration held in the 17th century by the pilgrims of Plymouth colony. The 53 pilgrims were the only survivors of the long journey on the Mayflower. They were the first immigrants who settled here and survived with the help of the Wampanoag tribe, native Americans who lived here. The celebration lasted three days.
I find it so ironic that in today’s America, so many people treat immigrants as an enemy. Our founding fathers and this whole nation was built from a combination of people from around the world who came here seeking a better life. The native American is the true American and we have treated them shamefully. I think everyone should do some soul searching in regard to how they view others.
As I was counting my blessings this weekend, my thoughts went to so many who are suffering the loss of all they possessed in the California wildfires. I think of those families who lost loved ones and those who are living in tents in a Walmart parking lot, grateful to be alive but with shattered lives.
I thought of the empty chairs around dining room tables as families mourn the loss of loved ones because of disease or violence, When a loved one is gone, it leaves a hole in the survivor’s heart. We can be thankful for the time we had them in our lives and grateful for the memories.
As I watched my rescued dogs happily enjoying the warmth and comfort of their home, my heart went out to all the unwanted, abused and homeless animals. I see so many stories of pets being taken to shelters because their owners have changed their minds and no longer care for that cute puppy or kitty they brought home. I don’t understand how they justify taking in a pet and later discarding it without a backward glance. These animals feel love. pain and loss, truer or more loyal friends cannot be found.
As my family sat down to a huge meal, I thought of all the children around the world who are starving. My thoughts went to the children in Yemen, dying of starvation because of man’s greed and lack of compassion. I thought of children here who go to bed hungry, who have no stable home, who live in cars or on the street with no idea where they will find their next meal. My heart breaks for the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten and all those who do not enjoy the things most of us take for granted every day.
I thought about how grateful I am to be a citizen of this great country. We are not perfect, far from it, but we enjoy more freedom and wealth than anyone else in the world. We are a diverse nation. a melting pot of many cultures, races and religions. We have untold freedom to speak, write, worship, vote and travel. These are freedoms we should all hold dearly and fight to protect. Many good men and women have died for your right to say what you think without fear.
I am especially grateful for my faith in Christ. Without His love and guidance in my life, I would be like a ship lost at sea. Colossians 4:2 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
And finally, I am grateful to all of you who take time from your lives to read and follow my blog. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
I am truly blessed.
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