It’s easy
Not to be grateful
For the things we take for granted
The unseen things we rely on:
Our health, our home, clean clothes and fresh water
The freedom to be who we are
To speak our minds and not be imprisoned for an opinion
To choose our path and not be persecuted.
When news channels dish out their daily dose of misery
It’s easy to overlook the happiness that surrounds us:
The laughter of children
The love of those who stay together till the very end
The beauty of creation
The magic of music
The thoughtfulness of strangers
The kindness of those who still say “please” and “thank you.”
It’s easy to feel entitled
Just because we were born
In the right place
At the right time
And never had to fight for food
Equal rights or education.
We are the lucky ones
The privileged people
Who have the luxury
To live our lives and almost forget
That we have so much to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving, 2013
Paul Strikwerda©nethervoice
…wonderfully said, my friend. Happy THANKS-giving…
Thank you so much, Herb. Tonight we’re actually celebrating Thanksgivukkah at my home with a combo of Jewish and American fare at the table.
Splendid. Significant. Surely it’s an ode to deep and abiding joy as well. You’re a real gift, Paul.
Short but substantial end uplifting. Fijne Thanksgiving en groeten uit Ede!
@Debbie: Thank you so much and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Dank je, Karol. Thanksgiving is een van die Amerikaanse feestdagen die ik hier heb leren vieren. Gelukkig doen we niet mee aan de vercommercialisering waardoor deze feestdag voor sommigen een aanzet is tot de drukste koopdag van het jaar: Black Friday.
Not a wasted word. Thank you Paul for sharing yourself with us and others. A very happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!