It is that weekend again! Yep, that one where we say ‘thank you’ as we acknowledge the harvest, family and friends and our good fortune to live in the wonderful country of Canada.
And yet it is tough sometimes and almost impossible for many people to be grateful for how life has turned out – at least to date. Be it illness, breakdowns in relationships, abuse and violence, loss of employment, poor financial state, or whatever, there are for many people challenges that are impossible to get by – and for some, they seem to go on forever, not just for a short period of time. I get it, and yet even in the face of those challenges, some people simply amaze me with their perspective and attitude, and how they live their life with gratitude.
So when I look about, and hear the griping and/or the hateful comments made by so many about others and their lot in life, I have a great sense of appreciation for those who rise above the challenges and live with gratitude. They give me hope, confidence and yes, gratitude.
And I would offer that we all end up in a better place each day that we are alive when we bring and actively share that way of life. Not just on Thanksgiving, but every day!
On of my favourite poems I have written is entitled Gratitude. I have tried to capture the importance of living well, appreciating others, and celebrating both the good and the bad in life. Each day we wake up, we have a choice in how we live no matter what cards have been dealt. Once I came to understand ‘gratitude’, I like it a lot better as a way of living than the other choices that may exist.
Thank you to those who make my life richer. Thank you to those who make the world a better place by their being and by their contributions. Thank you for the opportunity to be a better person through learning and experiencing the ups and downs in life. Thank you God for walking with me.
Gratitude
Can you imagine a world with no saying of thanks
One where gifts are like transactions done at the bank
Can you imagine a world with no appreciation of others
I would rather then not exist if I had my druthers
The act of saying grace before eating dinner
Is an example of gratitude shown by all winners
To acknowledge others for what we are given
Affirms appreciation without even words written
Gratitude is a feeling that leads to more kindness
It’s a gift that pays forward and is forever timeless
What’s even better is that there are no limits or rules
Gratefully given words and actions are like living jewels.
There is one day each year to celebrate thanksgiving
This day underlines the importance of every-day living
With recognition of the abundant lives we do lead
And the difference in what we want and what we each need
Forgive those moments when I get caught up in the fray
I have what I need and acknowledge all as I do pray
I am thankful for those who lift up my wings
I am grateful for love and the joy that it brings
These simple words are for me easy to say
I try through my actions to show thanks every day
With gratitude, I share my blessings with you
Forever thankful for my place in life’s zoo.