"O Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness."
-Shakespeare
I read a comic strip this morning and had to laugh - a grown son was disappointed that his parents were taking a vacation over the Thanksgiving weekend. His wife said that she was glad that the parents would be enjoying themselves. The son said: "Thanksgiving is not about enjoying yourself, it's about family!"
No matter where we are in life, either physically or spiritually, today is a day for some recognition of our blessings. And our families, whether they are our genetic family, our church family, our neighbors or friends, help us to grow. Some families create conflict, but conflict often leads to growth, understanding and acceptance. Other families provide unconditional love and support when we need it the most. We have the relationships we have for a reason. And if we're truly honest with ourselves, we know that we're given exactly what we need, when we need it... even if we don't think so at the time!
-Lissa Coffey