With Thanksgiving almost upon us, some might be forgiven for asking what we have to be thankful for.
Our world today is rife with political rhetoric designed to stoke the fires of hate.
Acts of war still leave corrosive scars across the earth, and it is the innocent, as always, who bear the ultimate burden of international rivalries and unprovoked aggression.
Devastating effects of climate change, rampant viruses, compromised food chains and deadly street drugs have shaken our belief in human agency, and economic inequities have led not only to increasing homelessness, but doubt that we can continue to provide for our families.
A predictable response to fear and stress is anger, and we have become angry indeed. A selfish mean-spiritedness has become the order of the day.
And yet, and yet… we have much to be thankful for. In a vastly imperfect world there can still be joy, even in the smallest things.
A kind word or deed, a smile. The laughter of a child. The squeeze of a loved one’s hand. The afternoon sun bathing autumn leaves in golden light.
Birds and insects flitting about their tasks, the pant of a happy dog chasing a ball, the head-nudge of a pampered cat.
We cannot be blind to the suffering of our brothers and sisters, but many of us can still be grateful that we have a roof over our heads and food on the table and creature comforts that might be unthinkable elsewhere on our planet.
We can be grateful, too, that it is still within our power to share with others, and help those less fortunate than ourselves.
No matter what faith we belong to – or even if we subscribe to no religion at all – it is important, for our own physical and mental health, to give thanks. Taking time for gratitude, particularly with friends and loved ones, is a pause, a refresher, a much needed reset from cycles of stress and contention.
And realizing the many blessings we do have can only make us stronger as we resume the challenges of daily life.