It's that time of year...you know...the holiday season. We may find ourselves a little busier, a little more stressed, a little more tired, a little more...well, you get the idea. Sometimes the only thing that seems easy at "this time of the year" is to forget what "this time of the year" is really all about!
Perhaps, for just a moment, you might consider the following thoughts and in doing so find an ounce... hopefully more... of calm and respite.
Did you know that it was under the signature pen of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, that we, as a collective people, officially recognized ourselves as a Grateful Nation? Yes, a nation that would formally set aside, a day to pause, give thanks, and enjoy the unusual good fortune of which we were blessed. A few grateful thoughts that come to our minds might include:
~ We have the good fortune that our liberties are protected by our Constitution. These liberties are not enjoyed by most of the world.
~ We savor the fruit of a land that provides more than adequately for every American, with an abundance sent around the world to those much less fortunate.
~ We enjoy the freedom to practice our religion, unencumbered by any oppressive dictates of government.
~ We live peaceably without fear of being pressed into servitude or mandatory service.
~ We are afforded the right to love and be loved, bear children, and pursue opportunity for ourselves and our children's futures.
Finally, of this we can be assured, we who dream, work hard, and strive for success, can enjoy unbridled freedoms to impact the world for our impassioned cause.
Yes, we are fortunate, blessed and, I pray, a Grateful Nation. This Thanksgiving season, "this time of the year", let us join together. Whatever our situation might be, let us pause, reflect, express gratitude and thankfulness for this wonderful country. May God Continue to Bless America, Land That I Love.
Harry Broomfield, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Perspectives Counseling Centers
Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes,
they will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~
