Things to Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving - Part II

Thanksgiving is a great time to toss away the things that bother us and stop focusing on the negative. It seems that we are all so busy (myself included) trying to obtain new things and achieve new goals that we never really take the time to be grateful for the things we've accomlished and for the things that God has graced us with. In the United States, we are so tremendously blessed with the best of everything. This Thanksgiving, take a look at what you have and thank God for it. We are truly blessed.

Part II

Freedom - Thank God for the freedom that we have here in the United States. I know I often take it for granted until I travel other places and see how less fortunate they are than we are. From time to time, I have take a step back and remind myself that the freedoms I enjoy are rare in some places and I have to be thankful for it. When you think it about, where we live, the only limitations are our own.

Religious freedom - I learned at the current church that I attend that people across the world have to meet in underground churches out of fear of being killed because of their beliefs. Can you imagine having to take your bible in a dark underground to secretly pray? That seems absurd. Unfortunately it is a reality for so many. And the consequences are fatal if they are found out about. So don't complain about going to church. There are millions of people that would love to freely have that opportunity.

God - I am grateful to know that there is a creator of this great big universe and it comforts me to think that we aren't just floating around in this world by ourselves. I am also thankful that we'll be able to spend an eternity with him after our time here on earth us up.

Our religious leaders - Some people misunderstand and think that pastors work only on Sundays, but that's not true. Every pastor I've ever know has quite a hectic life. Their work never stops. Not only do they have to spend a great deal of time preparing their sermon for Sunday, they counsel people who are having problems, counsel those about to get married, perform weddings, funerals, go on hospital visits, and spend time praying for others. And of course people in the congregation do not hesitate to call their pastor at any time when something is wrong. Be thankful that we have such unselfish people willing to do all this for us.

U.S. Military - I am thankful for all the men and women,currently and previously, in the U.S. Military and all they've done, and continue, to do for us. If it weren't for them we wouldn't have peace, freedom, and the controlled society that we enjoy today. Thank you to them, their families, and all the sacrifices they've made.

Another day - Sometimes you just have to be thankful for the little things - or the big things - depending on how you look it. When I got up this morning, I was thankful for another day on this earth with my family and friends. Although it's difficult, it's important to try to stop focusing on the bad things that may have happened yesterday, and begin fresh. Try to improve things today and be thankful that you have another chance to do it.

Service workers - Don't take for granted that if sometime, God forbid, should you have to dial 911 because of an emergency that there will be a very large group of people that will respond to help, from the person who answers the phone, to those who arrive in the ambulance and begin attending to your problem, to those waiting at the hospital to help you. And let's not forget about firemen (and women). I know I've said it lot already, but I'll say it again - these systems are not in place all over the world. Let's be grateful they are here and thank those who are involved and risk their lives on a regular basis for us.

Other caring people - There are a lot of other caring people, besides service workers, that we should be thankful for. I know I am grateful for all the people I met at the animal shelter where I've started volunteering. So many of them have spent tireless hours caring for thousands of animals and because of them, many of the animals have gone on to live happy lives with caring families.

A thank you should also go to all those volunteers who spend their free time helping out at local hospitals, donating to charity, crocheting blankets for poor, gathering and distributing food to local food banks, foster parents of both children and animals for providing love and care until they find their "forever homes." And so many others - they can't all be thanked here. If you run into any of these people, thank them for all they do and if you are one of them, give yourself a pat on the back once in a while - you deserve it! Thank you!

Technology - Ok, I know I make some folks who didn't grow up with technology cringe when I say "Let's be thankful for technology." But you have to see the value of it. Through the internet (if used properly and not for immoral things) we are more educated, more connected to others through email and instant messaging. Plus, technology helps the medical field to heal some diseases and perform advanced surgeries. We're can also stay more organized through online calendars and have access to more things across the world that we do not have access to in our town. There are so many other ways technology helps us that I didn't even mention. Be thankful for the technological advancements that have been made.

Nature - Stop and look at the beauty around you. God has painted our world with beautiful flowers, grand trees, and colorful birds. Stop and smell the fragrance of the flowers, sit under the shade of a tree, and listen to the songs of the birds. Be thankful for the beauty God has given us.

Happy Thanksgiving!