Thanksgiving — A Reflection

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to Almighty God, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; [...] Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of Thursday the twenty-eight day of November next, as a day of solemn Thanksgiving to God for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to God for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

So what’s all the hoopla all about?  Not much, really — In the global sense that is.  But everything in the personal sense.

You see, it’s the attitude of gratitude that makes all the difference.  (please forgive me here but….)

The Attitude of Gratitude is More Than Just a Platitude.

Yes it really is.  For it’s the state of thankfulness that allows us to pursue our dreams. Think about that.

What’s the opposite of thankfulness?

Greed?  Probably not.  Anxiety?  I don’t think so.  How about ungrateful?  I think we’re getting closer.  The state of ungratefulness is that which fails to recognize or appreciate that which we DO have. Kind of a ‘count your blessings’ kind of thing.  You know, you really do have much to be thankful for if you’re reading this.  Let me just give you a few:You have a computer.

1. You (likely) have shelter and electricity.
2. You have your eyesight.
3. You have the cognitive ability to interpret little squiggly marks on a screen into communicative ideas.
4. You have the ability to control your consciousness.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea.  If you begin with what you have and appreciate it for the gift that it is, you can easily move forward from there!

So… (if you are whining) STOP!  And decide this day to get on with your journey to success.

Here’s my ultimate (earthly) definition of success:

That, my friend, is the supreme ‘E Ticket’ in life.  If you don’t get the ‘E Ticket’ thing, read this link.  You’ll find that the real adventure of life is in the pursuit of your dreams, not in the achieving of them.

Contented thankfulness is the first ingredient to the adventure.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.