October brings falling leaves and a wisp of chill in the air that precedes long winter nights and Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is our opportunity to say thank you for gifts, talents and abilities received. How grateful are you for the opportunity to live in this area in the Pacific? How grateful are you for abundant water and a warm place to rest on those chilly nights? How grateful are you for the opportunity to connect easily with those around you; whether you choose to or not?
With all that is happening in the world around us, I sometimes feel as though we live in a bubble of protection in this area of the world. Yes, things happen that can shake us, but far fewer than many others are living through. Think about your day, your week, this past year and then consider the following:
If you can attend a church without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer a healing touch.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
So, as you gather around a table this Thanksgiving, whether at a table for a dozen or a table for one, give thanks for what you have and send loving energy to those who live outside the bubble that keeps us safe and whole.
By the way, if there is just one at your table, get in touch with friends or neighbours who find themselves alone, as well, and invite them in.
Be grateful for who you are, for what you can do, for where you are privileged to live and share that gratitude in giving thanks this month.
“The greatest gift one can give is thanksgiving. In giving gifts, we give what we can spare, but in giving thanks we give ourselves.” –David Steindl-Rast
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Pat Nichol is a speaker and published author. Connect with her at mpatnichol@gmail.com.