So, here we are at Thanksgiving, a time when everyone is supposed to count their blessings around the dinner table.  The attitude of the season is gratitude and, in truth, while the search for reasons to give thanks might be difficult when times are tough, the effort to find them and express them is worthwhile and even empowering.

     Certainly, this has not been an easy year for many, myself and my family included. Whether the struggles were strictly personal or brought on by broader national policies and global events, the fear, stress and worry over so many issues is enough to make all of us mentally, emotionally and physically ill. Gratitude? Really? How do you muster gratitude while feeling so overwhelmed by multiple, conflicting concerns?

      Call me a cold-eyed realist, but I think these days gratitude can only be found by digging deep down inside and recognizing the realities and limitations of your own existence. Only then can you determine what you might rightfully be grateful for. Keep it simple — which is not easy when life is anything but. 

     To that end, I offer my own expression of gratitudes and wish you some moments of quiet reflection over this Thanksgiving. 

    Grant Me The Grace

In a climate of chaos
Of hate and division,
When war is called peace
And history’s revision,
     Grant me the grace to be grateful…
          For what I know.

When people are suffering
And many are needy,
When fairness has failed them
Because of the greedy,
     Grant me the grace to be grateful …
          For what I have.

In a season of loss
A time of despair,
A period of mourning
For those who aren’t there,
     Grant me the grace to be grateful …
          For those I love.

When others moan and groan
And constantly complain,
About every inconvenience
And every ache and pain,
     Grant me the grace to be grateful …
          For simply being alive.