Thanksgiving couldn’t come at a better time this year.
So much sadness, oppression, violence, and deprivation seems to be going on in
the world right now. We all worry about our planet and the effects global
warming is going to have on all living things here on Earth. I am war weary. It
seems there is no end to war and violence. People are trying to escape to
someplace where they can find peace, safety, and freedom. Just this past week,
terrorists took the lives of so many innocent people in Paris, and as terrorists
like to do, they threaten more senseless violence around the world. I’m not
even certain if they truly have a reason for all their hatred. Who do they
hate? Everybody? Why do they hate so many? I just don’t know. I am heartsick
thinking about all this.
But I have hope. Hope is a powerful thing. It can make
us believe there’s a light out there even in the darkest of times. It can make
us believe there is good in everyone, even if it’s so far down deep inside them
we can’t see it right now. I can imagine those Pilgrims so long ago escaping an
oppressive land to find freedom just as the Syrians are doing today. Having
hope is like having faith. In troubling times, faith can lift us up and give us
the strength to persevere no matter how awful or dark our circumstances.
I’m thankful I was born and raised during happier
times. Those were the Norman Rockwell kind of days. Some kids today have known
nothing but war so far in their young lives. My great niece has never known a
time without war, global warming, and civil unrest and violence.
Next week when I’m surrounded by loved ones preparing
to eat a feast in remembrance of those stalwart Pilgrims, I’m going to keep
hope in my heart and gratitude for living in a country founded on freedom and
where, in times of trouble, people come together and help one another. It never
fails to inspire me that, when things are at their worst, human beings are at
their best.
So, here’s a little Norman Rockwell for you and a
prayer that things will get better soon. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. God
bless you and keep you from harm.
Note: all pictures of Norman Rockwell art from Pinterest
