It's Thanksgiving. Well, actually it's a few days after Thanksgiving. At this point in time many of us are sliding into the Christmas season with vague memories of Turkey, family, long naps, and leftovers fading quickly from view.

I know I'm already gearing up for the season ahead with just a quick glimpse over my shoulder...an appreciative glimpse to be sure...but nonetheless a fleeting glimpse at several days of precious time with my family. It was wonderful. Simple, unhurried time. Stacking wood at the cabin, cooking time honored family recipes and going for long walks in the woods; all of it is a gift so welcome.

With friends out of work, people losing homes, and tough times everywhere I feel a little foolish lifting all this up just now. I think to myself that people don't want to hear about my thankfulness. And yet, maybe this is precisely the time to stop and be grateful.

No matter what's going on for us, there is cause for gratefulness. Those of us struggling with unemployment may pause to receive some well earned love and support. Grateful. Some of us wrestling with our own issues of worthiness and self-esteem may stop to take note of the fact that "God don't make junk," and there is talent, heart, soul and wonder buried beneath the folds of depression. Some folks are dealing with ruptured relationships this Thanksgiving. 'Hard to be grateful in the face of abandonment or betrayal, and yet....and yet....there is a whisper of healing in the wind. A relationship may be in ruins and life might seem beyond difficult. But love still presides over this life. Love of children, friends and family; love of community and love - yes - of God. Grateful.

No matter what our current location in life, everyone of us would benefit - and in turn those around us would benefit if we could all adopt what some slick preacher once called "an attitude of gratitude." Well, let's skip the inane rhyme and pause together to reflect with a grateful hearts.

For life, for love, for simple moments of sharing, for laughter and silliness, for bad jokes and for inspired sonnets, let us open our hearts in grateful thanksgiving.

Tomorrow, as we begin this Christmas season - getting ready for the Christ Child - let's do so with hearts renewed and fueled with prayers and shouts of Thanksgiving.

For as the old hymn says..."whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well...it is well with my soul." Indeed.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and welcome to this blessed Christmas-time, as we await the powerful possibilities that come with new life.

Peace,
SR