Thanksgiving this year is somewhat dysfunctional, given the pandemic and restrictions placed upon individual households regarding how many people can gather together for a meal.
Millions of people are hurting -- financially, emotionally, perhaps physically if they've battled or are currently fighting off COVID-19. And millions are in psychological distress because the presidential election didn't go the way they wanted. The anxiety or depression can be exacerbated this time of year, when the days are short and often cloudy, and darkness comes early at the end of each day.
At times like this, it's more important than ever to maintain an attitude of gratitude. If you're in good health, and your loved ones are too, you get enough to eat every day, and you have a roof over your head, you're already deeply blessed. The fact is, no matter how cynical and angry we get about crooked, lying politicians, corruption and ineptitude inside the Beltway, we still live in the greatest country in the world.
Hundreds of millions of people throughout the world would give their eye teeth to live the lives many of us enjoy. I've always said that a big part of having faith in God is having humility: Admitting that we don't have all the answers, asking for guidance, protection, mercy and comfort. Worshiping because we want to, not out of a sense of obligation.
The same can be said for being grateful for our blessings. If we are humble enough to appreciate all we have, and make that our focus, we are much less likely to long for what we don't have, whether it's a higher paying job, a bigger home, a nicer car or a fatter 401k account. If we have content hearts, we'll behave better toward our family members, neighbors, friends and coworkers.
Even during difficult times, the abundant blessing we have and the realistic hope of better days ahead can give us a joy and peace that's hard to explain. Try it, you'll like it, as that old commercial used to say.
The Posse wishes you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving, and encourages everyone to maintain a grateful heart. You'll be glad you did.
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