While there is much that sparks anger these days, there is also much that goes right and brings a smile. I think we each have a hold of the string that can make things go better or worse. Kindness and generosity are contagious. I do what I can to be a carrier and also do my best to ignore or not react to those who spew ugliness and blatant falsehoods. I think Dickens got it right in his opening sentence in “Tale of Two Cities.” To paraphrase, “It is the best of times. It is the worse of times, it is the age of wisdom, it is the age of foolishness, it is the epoch of belief, it is the epoch of incredulity, it is the season of Light, it is the season of Darkness. It is the spring of hope and the winter of despair.” Or, as my grandmother often said, “This too shall pass.” I hope your family gathering proves to be all you anticipate and more. Pass the gravy, please.

The politicians are tragic, comedic performers, with their endless accusations. Listen to the news on either side and you’ll hear the other side being blamed for things that you often know for a fact are exactly what the blaming party does. They just call it something different.

There is no more truth. There is no right to contrast with wrong, as we could do so clearly when we were growing up.

So we too will give thanks, recognize our privilege, and watch the football game.

In return, may I share this with you, Kathy, so you know i’ve not turned entirely skeptical –

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER

Thanksgiving is a very special event for us this year. The entire extended family is getting together at a big farmhouse we rented for the weekend on the river in Front Royal. Folks will come in from all over. Some of us have not been together for 2 years or more. You can feel the excitement across the wires as we all communicate in preparation

My heart swells with joy each time I picture the love that will be shared with my nearest and dearest. I’m sure you know the feeling. With all the blessings we receive each day, few are more precious than this.

I pray for everyone’s unscathed arrival. May everyone feel welcome and safe. May each heart be open to the affection expressed in hugs. May the young folks have patience with the diminished energy of us old folks. May the elders refrain from liberally remembered comparison of modern trends with ‘the good old days.” May everyone listen attentively when the family joke is told for the tenth time.

May we all share the work to be done while we are there. Let there be compassion for anyone who cannot or does not join in. May we each listen with our soul as each person expresses their personal gratitude on this special day together.

Something wondrous will happen when we hold hands and bow our heads to thank the dear Lord. May we include in those thanks, the privilege of residing in this beautiful country where we have the freedom to worship and to love.

And when you bless your Thanksgiving meal, whether alone or surrounded, may you feel the glow of our savior Jesus Christ in your heart and be glad. May you treasure the love and warmth of our church family as much as I do right now. God bless you.

Annette Petrick
https://considerthisradioshow.com/?s=Thankful