Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving
Although I find it very interesting that we have to have a day, once a year, to remind us of how much we have to be thankful for 525,600 minutes a year, I nevertheless hope you do take a few minutes today to reflect upon just how blessed you and I are.
If you should lose power and have to go without heat for a day, or if your house needs to be cleaned, let us remember how cold it would be today in a card board box, over a heat vent. Even if it would be much easier to clean.
When we complain because the cost of a turkey went up to $1.79, so that 25 pound turkey cost us almost $50, let us remember those that have less than that to eat on for a month.
When we complain that our favorite coat/dress/jacket has gone out of style, or needs to be dry cleaned, let us remember those who wear the same clothes for a month at a time.
When we get irate because our team lost a huge game, in overtime, let us remember those that are suffering from mental illness, and remember those that love and care for them.
When we complain because of the additional time required for us to go through the security check at the airport, let us remember those who have lost loved ones to terrorist acts.
When we complain about freezing to death going out on a cold day to attend church, let us remember those who have been put to death for worshipping the way they desired.
When we complain about how much taxes we pay, let us remember those that live below the poverty level and pay no taxes.
When we complain about having to wait for an hour in the doctor’s office, let us remember those in 3rd world countries that walk for 20 miles, and wait for days to see a doctor, and while you’re at it, remember those doctors and nurses that volunteer their time to do this.
When we complain about having to get out of bed in the morning, let us remember those that did not wake up this morning, and let us sing out to God, “Gee, it’s going to be a beautiful day.”
When we find ourselves with a fear of dying, let us remember instead to have a fear of NOT LIVING!
When we complain of how badly our legs ache when we wake up in the morning, let us remember the Wounded Warriors who have lost 1, 2, 3 or 4 limbs.
Here are some of my favorite thanksgiving and gratitude quotes.
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” Maya Angelo
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” Alphonse Karr
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” Epictetus

And my favorite
“I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.”
So this is my challenge to you today. With each bite during your Thanksgiving dinner, give thanks for something in your life.
And after you realize how much you have to be thankful for, go out into the world, and
Bring Hope and Happiness to Others.

Please leave a comment about some of the things for which you are thankful.

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About Jerry Haynes

OK, where do I start. I was born…., no that line has already been taken.Call me…, oops so has that one. Well, I won’t attempt to spout musical prose, and just be myself. I grew up in the small cotton mill town of Fries, VA. My parents were hardworking members of the middle class. They never earned more than a little over minimum wage, but I can never remember lacking for anything. After graduating from Fries High School in 1969, I started to VA Tech. After two years of partying (1st), going to movies (2nd), and studying, well, much further down the list, VA Tech decided I need a two year break to get my priorities straight. With a number 8 in the draft lottery, I knew that even if the Hokies didn’t want me, Uncle Sam did. I joined the US Navy. I got my priorities straight. I’m proud to be a Viet Nam veteran, but feel guilty I never got deployed. I graduated from Tech in 1977 with a BS in Civil Engineering. For the next 35 years I would work in both the private and public sectors. My first job took me to Tazewell County, Virginia where I soon joined the Jaycees. This ignited my passion for individual development. This passion still burns today.

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