THANKSGIVING REFLECTIONS

THANKSGIVING REFLECTIONS

I am thankful today that I have never been hungry, but I know that over 24,000 people will die today of hunger and hunger-related causes.  As I say a prayer of thanks today,  I am also wondering, what am I going to do about world hunger?

I am thankful today that I have never been homeless, although I know that there are at least 3.5 million people in the USA who are.  As I pray with thanksgiving today, I am also asking, what will I do about homelessness in America?

I am thankful today that I have never been enslaved by anyone or anything besides my own selfishness, yet I know that there are over 27 million people enslaved in the world today, more than any other time in human history.  As I pray with thankfulness today, I am also pondering, what I will do for those suffering from human trafficking?

I am thankful today that I do not live with fear of bombs, rockets or missiles raining down death and destruction on my home or neighborhood, but I know there are many people who must worry about this every day.  As I pray with thanksgiving today, I am reflecting, what shall I do to bring peace with justice to such a fragile world as ours?

I am thankful today that my home has not been destroyed by a hurricane, earthquake or tornado, however, I know many people within a few hours drive who have lost everything in such a disaster.  As I say my prayers of thanks today, I am also musing, what am I supposed to do to relieve their suffering?

I am thankful today that I have not been diagnosed with cancer, although 1,638,910 new cancer cases and 577,190 deaths from cancer are projected to occur in the United States in 2012.  As I say my prayers of thanks today, I am also asking, what will I do to respond to so much pain all around me?

I am thankful today that I am not sad or depressed, yet I know there are approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the U.S. population, who have a depressive disorder.  As I pray today, with thankfulness, I am also considering, what will I do for those I know who are sad and depressed?

How are you thankful today? How are you helping those who do not share in all your blessings?