Once again we arrive at the time of year that reminds all Americans, (native or foreign born) of every race, religion, culture or creed, to “…lift up your eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh your help” – and be Thankful, regardless of the situation.
I am ever mindful of one of my mother’s favorite Bible passages found in Philippians 4:11: “Not that I speak in respect of want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” A good standard of measurement would be, “compared to what?” there can always be found situations and conditions more favorable or much worse. The best way to deal with either would be through an attitude of gratitude.
This very special day, which ushers in the year’s longest holiday season, grants us the opportunity to offer special thanks for the manifold blessings enjoyed by most throughout our mercenary society that have become so commonplace that they are no longer perceived as such. Whether or not we acknowledge the fact, we in this modern day society are still pretty much masters of our own fate and victims of our own self-imposed or people programmed barriers and limitations. Our own President-elect is a prime example of what we can become.
As creatures of habit (and for the most part bad ones) we are prone to seek such associates and environments as will make us feel comfortable or ease our conscience with the least amount of change. Subsequently we are constantly being bombarded with accounts of our recessed economy and the increasing depression of those being affected by it. While dwelling on such negatives, one easily forgets the oceans of God’s love and blessings that constantly surround us through perpetual showers of “tokens” which collectively form many of the miracles we continue to wait and pray for, yet fail to recognize.
With an altitude of gratitude we can all enter this Thanksgiving season with thanks for living in this unique period of time long awaited for in ages past, and especially for living in this nation that with all of its faults, offers more public education, social services, laws, hope and opportunity for a more multicultural society than any nation on earth.
With an attitude of gratitude we will no longer dwell on unpleasant things of life that debilitates us, nor compare our blessings with those who seemingly have so much more. Instead let us vow to pool whatever varied strengths we have that our weaknesses will be minimized. With an attitude of gratitude we can become more loving to all people, recognizing all as servants and children of One God. Some are ignorant and must be guided and trained. Some are undeveloped as children and must be helped to reach physical and spiritual maturity. Some are ailing with unhealthy moral conditions. “But the sick man is not to be hated because he is sick, the child must not be shunned because he is a child nor the ignorant despised because he lacks knowledge. They must all be healed, educated, trained and assisted in love,” state the Baha’i Holy Writings – perpetually promoting attitudes of love and gratitude.
Investigate and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
