We are now in the season of giving and receiving. Halloween has passed, and fast approaching is Thanksgiving and Christmas. I like to ease into the holidays, giving some time to be grateful for being here, happy at where my gratitude lies. At this time of year I clearly remember an incident that occurred when our son was one month old. My husband and I had some holiday shopping to do. My neighbor insisted we not take our little son with us but leave him with her, which we did. Driving to our destination a car came out of a side street, the driver didn’t look as he was crossing the road in front of us. We could have stopped, but a driver coming behind us could not and we were sandwiched between the two cars. In those days a baby seat was a plastic type of seat that you held on your lap, with a small belt for safety. Had our son been with us he would not have survived. My husband and I sustained minor injuries. I clearly remember my husband saying “Thank God our son was not with us.” How many times would I have said “Wow, were we lucky”? Now, 59 years later we remember with gratitude that incident, and how much more we have to be grateful for each and every day. Learning to say “Thank you, God” did take some practice, and now it is a constant. Seldom do we say, “Were we ever lucky!”
Our family takes time each Thanksgiving at dinner to express what made us thankful this year, and it is heartwarming to hear each person’s gratitude list. It is a wonderful and positive way to celebrate and express ourselves. As we go from home to Church or shop at the local store we can remember a smile, or hold the door for someone, and see the joy this gesture brings.
I personally cannot do much of anything to stop the wars, the violence and the hatred all around us. I certainly can put a smile on my face and greet people with kindness, maybe pay a visit to a shut-in. I know these gestures will bring joy to some and how about a hug? You do know that one size fits all.
