Thankful?

Even though I am aware that Thanksgiving Day is considered a secular holiday to many, I ask, "Are we thankful? And why must we wait until this time of year to figure out that we're blessed?" I know this question doesn't apply to fellow sons and daughters because we are always sending up praises for the blessings He gives us each day, each hour, each second! So, I know we don't have to be reminded with a special day. As I think on thanks, one person in particular comes to mind. That person is my husband. He is always so thankful - for the smallest most insignificant things. Sometimes he gets impatient with me when I get in a complaining mood. I'm not saying he's perfect, but he's a great example of a person who knows how to be appreciative. He didn't need the calendar to tell him it's Thanksgiving Day. He already realizes it's everyday! As I said, I know the wonderful sons and daughters who are reading this don't need to be told this. I know that we know the very fact that we are breathing is something to be thankful for. To be even more extreme - just to feel ANYTHING whether it be pain or pleasure is a reason to be thankful - because it means we exist and if we exist to do The Father's Will, then that's something to be thankful for! Unlike most of you, sometimes I forget to be thankful, but unlike many people, I can look around and see that special someone in my life and get a glimpse of his big ole' smile, hear his positive thoughts and remember - however grumpily, that I should be thankful! So I say to all of you: "Happy Thanksgiving Day each and every day! Be blessed!

American Gangster

I went to the movies on Saturday and watched "American Gangster". I really struggled in making a decision of whether to attend or not. I knew that there would be a lot of profanity in the movie and tons of violence, but something was pulling me to see it. So I went. I couldn't see what good would come from attending, but I went anyway. When we arrived, I was surprised to see people of all races and ages buying tickets for American Gangster. Two Caucasian ladies in their sixties in front of me politely requested, "Two tickets for American Gangster. Senior rate." I almost laughed out loud. I never expected it. Well anyway, surprisingly, I did get something positive from the movie through viewing some of the most unpositive representations. There were several scenes which showed thousands of people living in New York's housing projects. The people looked like they were in prison. In some ways more awful than prison because their children were stuck there too. As I looked at the cages that were supposed to be their homes a strong spirit of compassion overcame me. I wondered to myself, "How could they be persuaded that there is something better? That accepting Jesus as their Savior is the only way. That The Father truly cares about them?" I believe that God will have to send someone whom He has bestowed a power upon not seen since Biblical times. That's the only way. How can people in these circumstances see God otherwise? I thought about how fragile they are spiritually and how just anybody could not be trusted with such a responsiblilty. Or is it? Isn't there something I or we can do? I was moved to pray for them, because I care. I prayed for them because I know that I have never endured what they must go through everyday of their lives. I prayed for them because most of them do not know they are lost. Many of them do not have something as simple as "hope". A multitude of them have not been the recipient of love. They think it's just a fallacy. I believe I and we can do more. We can show love. Not just during the holiday season, but year round. Let's start with just recognizing that others exist around us. Start with, "Hello, how are you doing today?" And don't forget to listen for the reply. It could be the start of a conversation. Peace be unto you!