Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Feeling Blessed


I have much for which to be thankful, so much so, that compiling a list is an overwhelming task.  For my wife, sons and daughter, grandchildren and that all of us seem to be in good health is a blessing.  We are very fortunate to have a comfortable home, and freedom from major worries.  I realize all of this could change in a heartbeat, and I am forever grateful. 

On this Thanksgiving, I cannot stop thinking of those who are so less fortunate.  We know about those living in poverty around the world, those in war-torn areas, and children who are dying of starvation.  These are problems solvable by man and we need to work tirelessly to do so, but today, I am thinking about others closer to home who are anguished by circumstances beyond control. 

I am thinking of a friend who this Thanksgiving finds himself recently paralyzed from the waist down from a strange disease called Transverse Myelitis.  I am thinking about two neighbors battling terminal cancers and their families who are struggling to see their loved-ones dying.  I am thinking about the Flora, Indiana parents who lost four children in a tragic fire earlier this week.  I am thinking about the families of the children who died in a horrible school bus accident in Tennessee.  I am thinking of those who are suffering mental anguish for situations known only to them.

While we are laughing and enjoying our lavish Thanksgiving dinners, so many others will be shedding tears, just trying to get through the day.   Forty-one years ago, on the night before Thanksgiving, my own father died.  No doubt it was the worst Thanksgiving our family ever endured and one I will never forget.  Let us remember all of those who are suffering loss this Thanksgiving, comfort them when possible, and keep them in our prayers.

On a lighter note, I am thankful for the recent election results, not that Donald Trump won, but that a pro-life platform won.  Our religious freedom now has a better chance of being safeguarded.  If nothing else, we now have a ray of hope.  Keep praying!