Being Thankful

It is Thanksgiving Day! On this festive occasion, many millions of people in the United States, put their lives' turmoil in pause, and gather together to celebrate the things they are grateful for.

This day offers individuals the opportunity to look at their realities from a whole different angle. Thus, anyone who appreciates the positive things in life, can find a good reason to be thankful on this day and always.

Like everyone else, I too have my ups and downs, but these things only cause me to appreciate the things I feel grateful about even more and more. Some of these things are very obvious to us all, yet we may take them for granted. So, as I reflect on these things, I want to share with you some practical thoughts on five things we all could be thankful for. I hope you like them.

5 Reasons to Give Thanks

1- Life. Let us be thankful for ‘Life’ – a precious gift that allows us to see the light of each day and enables us to be in contact with one another. Of course, not everything about life will give people reasons to wear their smiling faces.

Many good and bad things happen to people each day. However, for as long as we remain focused on the things that really matter and be true to the purpose for which we have been born, we will be grateful for this amazing gift we call life.

2- Faith. Let us be thankful for ‘Faith’ –an essential part of humanity's spiritual ecology. Our faith is the mean through which we are able to believe in things that cannot be seen and experience the divine love of God. He fills the earth with bounty and protects His creatures with tender love.

3- The People in Our Lives. People's relationships with their loved ones are very important. These tender connections can give us beautiful insights that can help us understand the ways in which God deals with His creatures. For example, the Scripture teaches us to call God "Our Father, which art in Heaven" (Matthew 6:9). Those who are closer to the Lord regard Him as a Father and friend who is always there for them in good times and in bad ones as well.

Therefore, let us be thankful for our ‘loved ones’ –our parents, children, spouses, relatives, friends, and acquaintances; they are an important part of our everyday life. They are our fans, mates, partners, companions, counselors, and an important support network in times of trouble.

4- Food. Let us be thankful for food. The things we eat each day, provide nourishment for strength and energy. This is how we are able to move around and perform our duties skillfully. People who do not eat well lack the energy to do those things; they get sick, and could die of starvation, unless they are able to find sustenance before it is too late.

Food reminds people of Jesus Christ, for He has been called the "Word of God" and the "Bread of life." He is the source of knowledge concerning the divine, an essential element to sustain and keep our spiritual life alive and striving.

5- Shelter. Let us be thankful for ‘Shelter’ –the roof that protects us from the elements accommodates our belongings, and houses us all as we pilgrimage through this world. It reminds us of the refuge we find in God Almighty, the One who stands by our side to protect, comfort, and keep us from evil.

Lacking shelter is a precarious situation that may cause people to feel anxious and sad. The same is true about individuals who live outside the shelter of the Omnipotent. Thankfully, the Lord cares for all the children of His creation, including the homeless. He provides for everyone's needs in very unique ways.

Some homeless people have taken advantage of the "unique" blessings they have received from the Lord, and have risen to become a blessing to others. In the spiritual sense, the Lord is our shelter and refuge, in whom we trust. Read Psalms 91 to learn more about this concept.

What other things are you thankful for? I look forward to reading your comments. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day!