"I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage." Erma Bombeck

 

     We have a son-in-law who really does consider gravy to be a beverage. All that was left on his plate yesterday after the many helpings of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing was a big puddle of gravy. He is the one who brought the gravy having cooked a bird earlier in the week just so he could provide that liquid refreshment for the Thanksgiving meal. It was very good. I'm fairly certain that every drop that was not consumed during our feast was taken home for further consumption. It was really very good.

     A friend posted to Facebook yesterday (Thanksgiving Day in the USA) asking his friends to post things they are grateful for. He indicated that he would post what he is grateful for on Friday. I had already planned to make this entry today so didn't change my plan.

     John F. Kennedy is quoted as saying, "We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives."

     That would, of course, include my family, friends, co-workers, and many others with whom I have crossed paths over the years I have been on this earth. The sentence seems trite when I look back and read it, but it is so very true. We spend more time together with family than with almost any others. So many people cross paths with me and each has an influence for good or ill, even if I don't always recognize that impact.

William Shakespeare said, "O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfullness." 

I hope to avoid being to mawkish here but the topic lends itself to being so. 

     As this month unfolds and acquaintances post on Facebook or Instagram about all the things they are thankful for I think to myself "I wish I had said that" so, I hope you will accept that I am thankful for all the things you are plus a few more that are unique to my circumstance. I may not write about them here but it doesn't change the reality. 

With apologies to Bill Watterson;

Is there really anything needed more than a good home and a best friend?

We had a brief discussion yesterday about the way so many families are depicted on social media, and even in our current reality, with infighting and usurpations happening among family members. 

     I/we have not experienced anything like this. We seem to like one another and get along even when issues do arise (and they do). Cindy commented that there is a tendency for us to move past the negatives and get along. I agree. I hope that there is less distress among families than is depicted. Perhaps in this season of gratitude we can all learn to be more tolerant and grateful. 

     Robert Louis Stevenson stated, "Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life."

     I agree, though it might be that in the hustle and bustle of life we lose track of what is of more importance. I am very thankful for these days (holidays and long weekends) that afford us the opportunity to slow and be grateful. Life is too short to just be busy moving from one project to another without taking the time to see all the other good things and people in life.

     Well I've repeated myself a few times here so maybe I should call it good. Please take time to reflect on the things that matter in your life. 

     Emphasis on family and faith.

Thank for checking in. More to come soon. See you then.