Robert Britt   

                          Author, Columnist

Grateful

It seems appropriate, although it is totally coincidental that I am writing about gratitude this Thanksgiving week. Many people will be spending time with their families and, at times, complaining about this person or that, or gossiping about who is doing what and to whom. Take a moment, at least, to remember that there are many other people who would love to be in your shoes, whatever place you are at in life.

When you are all alone in the world, or unable to break bread with your family that person you are complaining about is still in your life. There are folks all alone who would love to have that person as part of their story. Why are you complaining about anyone? Most people, and of course there are exceptions, have so many good qualities you can focus on; yet some thing is causing you to avert your eyes from those things.

The holidays are a joyous time, yet they are also the time when there are the most tragic endings. People need to reach out and make connections. Let incidents from your past go and take people back into your life. Why are certain people out of your life? They can be family or friends that used to be close. Small things may have happened and over time the crack in the earth has opened up to become a grand canyon. Take the time to build a bridge; to heal the rift. We may only get one chance at this life, so don’t let love and friendships die because of issues that are insignificant in the bigger picture.

Be grateful for what you have in your life. Do you have a bed to sleep in or a place you call home? No matter where you are in life there are people who care about you and what happens to you. Open your eyes to the miracles and wonderful people who are around you. If you really don’t see anyone in your day to day life, you may be missing something. If you truly have no one you think you can turn to, you have me. I am willing and happy to extend my hand to you who are reading these words. There is a reason for that. Nothing happens without reason.

Be grateful. I am grateful for all the people who visit my site and read what I have to say. I am grateful for literacy in the world and the efforts to teach and spread education to those who cannot read. Enjoy your turkey, and if you are in my neighborhood stop in for a piece of pie. You are welcome.

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