Be Thankful for the Things That Don't Seem So Small

Americans punctuate each year with the Thanksgiving holiday as a way of perpetuating a 387-year-old tradition begun by a rag-tag group of our forebears. That first time, in 1621, thanksgiving day wasn't the propert noun it became. It was just a day set aside by a few dozen people who risked everything, actually lost most of it, were hard-by to any number of dangers that could cost them the rest, but still felt compelled to be thankful for what they had.

Regardless of where you live on planet Earth, let me leave you with a list of things to think about. This is not my list. When we've published it before in this space with attribution to Anonymous, some of my readers have attributed it to Mother (Saint) Theresa, which suits me just fine. I'm thankful I found it and have the ability to pass it along.

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you are employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off early in the morning, because it means you are alive.

And, finally, here is mine:  I am thankful for small business owners -- the most courageous and most important modern-day pilgrims I know.