What Are You Thankful For?

At countless tables across the United States today, families and friends will gather for a traditional feast. At some of those tables, one family member will ask some of the others what they’re thankful for. Mine is one of them. While I’m waiting my turn, thinking about what to say, I’ll look around the whole scene—the house, the table, the people–and find something to be thankful for in everything I see. Like these:

Look at all this food. In a world in which so many have so little, we can pull together a table full of tasty, nutritious food, and prepare it in a way that nourishes our souls as much as our body.

There’s water in my glass. Almost 800 million people on this earth don’t have regular access to clean water.For me, it’s a faucet away.

These people love me. Oh sure, we bicker and get on each others’ nerves. But when push comes to shove, nobody has my back like the people at this table, a few of whom have literally given me the shirt off their backs.

And they count on me. Knowing they count me on for things gives my life a purpose. There are cold mornings when I don’t want to get out of bed; knowing they’re counting on me to help keep the lights on is a powerful motivator.

I have work. Yes, it brings in money, but it also gives shape and purpose to a life.

Everyone who was here last year is here again. We aren’t always able to say this. It means a lot.

We’re able to talk. So many families are riven with strife, often over silly and trivial things. Nobody here has aired grievances. Maybe it will come later, but the table is a peaceful, happy place, with a lot of laughter.

We’re safe. Because of all the people who work so hard to keep us that way.

For these, and a million other things, I’m thankful.

What are you thankful for?