For millions of Americans, this Thursday will be spent preparing stuffing, green beans, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, a turkey, sweet potato pie, rolls, and other delicious meals. Lucky “host” families will be responsible for preparing food as well as their homes for distant relatives, close friends, and perhaps an acquaintance or two. Countless families will unite, catch up on each other’s lives, listen to music, laugh at each other’s jokes, and temporarily suspend some of the troubles of this world.
As we celebrate and show appreciation for what we have--no matter how much or how little--we will also pause to take a measured inventory of our lives. By Thursday evening, Americans will be collectively giving thanks in many ways and for various reasons: sufficient shelter; good health; family; friendships; employment; transportation; arriving safely to their destination; receiving a raise or promotion; a new house; a new baby; a new spouse; etc. The collective gratitude of many, for their good fortune, will be tempered by the reality of others’ misfortune: job loss; mounting bills; foreclosure; failing health; grieving the loss of a relative; failed marriage; bankruptcy; depression, etc. No matter which side of the equation you find yourself on, hopefully, you will find many things to be grateful for, as you enjoy a relaxing day with family and friends. I’ve included a few things below.
We can be thankful that the McPalin Disaster’s campaign was unsuccessful. I cringe to think of Sarah Palin anywhere near the White House. We can be thankful that Obama is tapping the best and the brightest minds to help him govern the country. All of us should be thankful that president Bush has extended unemployment benefits for up to three months for those whose benefits have ended or are nearing expiration. Finally, we can be thankful that, no matter our circumstances, God’s grace in the form of a new day, means new hope and new possibilities.
Crecilla Scott is the founder of Infinity Research, LLC, a social science research company in the Washington DC area. She is the host of a local TV show, "Conversations with Crecilla." She is also a passionate speaker, who has given professional presentations for various organizations and federal agencies. She can be reached at Crecilla@liukarama.com.
Additional Resources
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/24/AR2008112402965.html?sub=AR
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/21/national/main4622987.shtml?source=RSSattr=U.S._4622987
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