Nicely set Thanksgiving table
One of my favorite holidays of the year is almost here. Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, often with many traveling long distances for the occasion. Friendships are renewed and updated with talk of things that have transpired since you last met and a wonderful meal is shared, usually with everyone leaving the table having to loosen their belts. Many, my family included, offer a special Thanksgiving prayer for those who can't be with us and for the bounty of food which we are about to enjoy. Then, after the feast, many gather around the TV for the big game which usually ends up with several snoring as the result of too much to eat.
But do we really appreciate what it is we celebrate or do we just go through the numbers by memory from years past? I think on this day, several days before the big event, we should truly ponder all of the blessings that we have and which we so often take for granted. Take the time to sit down and make a list. You'll be surprised at how blessed you are and what's more, by looking at all the blessings you have, maybe, just maybe, you won't be so self-centered in what you are asking for. Sometimes they are material things, like your home or that special car that you wax and wash every week. Or they could be someone, not something, like a wonderful husband or wife, fantastic and cute children or that very special friend who is always there for you.
But I also think of something else and, as I get older, these blessings are sometimes the best because you can refer back to them as you look over your life. These blessings are all of my great memories, memories of where I've been, things I've done and all those wonderful people, or even the pets, that I've known in my life. This area is very special to me, particularly when I go all the way back to my childhood and remember those "Summers at Old Nags Head" which played such a great part in making me who I am today and what I believe. And those glorious golden days on a beautiful beach are always on my list of things I'm thankful for that I try to mention in my thanksgiving prayer to God above.
Compiling such a list opens our memory bank to come alive and it provides things that we should always be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day. Come to think of it, they also make a great way to aid in forgetting those worries on your mind when you turn in for sleep each night. Do you remember what the great Bing Crosby sang many years ago about this very message? Well, here are the key words.
"If you worry and you can't sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep. And you'll go to sleep, counting your blessings."
Try it, you might just find its the medicine you need to cure your insomnia. And, what's more, it will make your life more satisfying as well. Have a blessed Thanksgiving week, my friends, and get ready. That wonderful day of fun, food and thanksgiving is almost here.
But do we really appreciate what it is we celebrate or do we just go through the numbers by memory from years past? I think on this day, several days before the big event, we should truly ponder all of the blessings that we have and which we so often take for granted. Take the time to sit down and make a list. You'll be surprised at how blessed you are and what's more, by looking at all the blessings you have, maybe, just maybe, you won't be so self-centered in what you are asking for. Sometimes they are material things, like your home or that special car that you wax and wash every week. Or they could be someone, not something, like a wonderful husband or wife, fantastic and cute children or that very special friend who is always there for you.
But I also think of something else and, as I get older, these blessings are sometimes the best because you can refer back to them as you look over your life. These blessings are all of my great memories, memories of where I've been, things I've done and all those wonderful people, or even the pets, that I've known in my life. This area is very special to me, particularly when I go all the way back to my childhood and remember those "Summers at Old Nags Head" which played such a great part in making me who I am today and what I believe. And those glorious golden days on a beautiful beach are always on my list of things I'm thankful for that I try to mention in my thanksgiving prayer to God above.
Compiling such a list opens our memory bank to come alive and it provides things that we should always be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day. Come to think of it, they also make a great way to aid in forgetting those worries on your mind when you turn in for sleep each night. Do you remember what the great Bing Crosby sang many years ago about this very message? Well, here are the key words.
"If you worry and you can't sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep. And you'll go to sleep, counting your blessings."
Try it, you might just find its the medicine you need to cure your insomnia. And, what's more, it will make your life more satisfying as well. Have a blessed Thanksgiving week, my friends, and get ready. That wonderful day of fun, food and thanksgiving is almost here.
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