Thanksgiving

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,

“Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

“Brown paper packages tied up with string,

“These are a few of my favorite things.”

These lyrics from “The Sound of Music” mention things for which we should be thankful and this is the season for giving thanks. Waking up each morning is the greatest privilege and a fear of dying is the greatest deterrent to living. Each day brings new challenges and Eleanor Roosevelt said we should do something each day that scares us.

Imagine living in an environment where each day is filled with the fear of a bombing, drive-by shooting, mugging, or gun violence at any gathering. Society has created these fears in our own country. What has happened to escalate hate to the level of taking lives? We should no longer “agree to disagree” and walk away from discussion. We should not send legislators to the capitals to “fight.”

Concessions must be made and compromise reached so that reason might prevail in these turbulent times. Uncompromising people find it hard to imagine themselves as the other person but that is the first step toward a solution. When people are rude to you, they reveal who they are, not who you are.

The 12th chapter of Mark, verse 31, of the Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than this.” Be thankful, not hateful, and “Peace will guide the planets and love will steer the stars”. –“The Age of Aquarius.”