Saturday, November 29, 2008

Giving thanks, especially today

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving with a number of our nearest and dearest friends. As I looked around at the other 22 guests as they sat (at tables in our friends' backyard - god how I love November in Israel) eating, drinking and generally enjoying each others company I had to take a few minutes to reflect on how very lucky we were to be able to do that - to sit together, in a beautiful, peaceful place, and celebrate, when outside so much of the world has gone mad - horrific attacks in Mumbai, a store employee trampled to death by crazed shoppers who have clearly lost sight of what gift giving is supposed to be all about on Long Island, foreign workers persecuted in Tel Aviv for the crime of wanting to scrub the toilets of the wealthy to feed their families. So much tragedy, so much hatred, so much need.

We often take what we have for granted. The simple gift of being able to sit together with friends and share a meal. The safety to let our children play outside. Having food for our family and clothing for our back.

So many are without, and so many others would try to take away even what little their own neighbors do have to promote their own evil agenda. Where will it all end? Haven't we learned the futility of hatred and violence by now? Where will it all end?

Sometimes, all you can do is grieve for those lost or in pain, and be thankful that you were spared.

And maybe, just maybe, look around for some small thing that you can do to make someone's life just a little bit better.

10 comments:

Nancy said...

Ahhh, you said this all so perfect!

Happy thanksgiving ... each and every day.

SandyCarlson said...

Beautiful post. Happy Thanksgiving. You remind me that ultimately, somehow, it's all good. Thank you for being you.

Cheryl Pitt said...

So, so true. Thank you.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I just finished reading a blog post from an editor I met at a conference once. She's stuck in Thailand. With the focus on Mumbai and Black Friday, methinks we've forgotten that crisis, too.

When does it end? I don't know.

But I DO know how proud I was of both boys when we were leaving a shop today and in front of us was a man with a cart and a companion in a wheelchair -- and handicapped doors that didn't stay open nearly long enough. Okay, so it was the Tour Manager who jumped first, but still, #1 didn't hesitate to help out, too.

You're right. The small things add up. A little bit of Tikkun Olam... it's way better than none.

Dillo said...

A hearty AMEN! Well said, well said. My heart is grieved with all those things as well.

As you say, though, we give thanks, for our families, and our fellow bloggers, and we persevere....

Stephanie in Idaho said...

Today I will give thanks as you did. From the heart, but still with gratitude and humility. What I have is greater than many, less than many... but it is STILL a gift from God, and for that I am thankful.

Beautiful, Robin. I will probably never meet you, but truly feel as if you ARE a close friend.

Anonymous said...

There's a big Indian population in my work place and they are mourning for their country.

The world is getting mad. You're right, we must give thanks and be grateful for the things that sometimes go unnoticed. Great post!

BTW, I think the Middle East is at its best in November! We are loving our weather here!

Anonymous said...

Robin, thank you. You always seem to be there when I need a friend to make MY life a little better. I'm teary, I'm a mess and I wish we lived closer. I miss you.....:)

anymommy said...

Perfectly said. It's so easy to take safety and security and plenty for granted. If we all do just a little, it can become really really big.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Janet said...

beautiful post, Robin and so true.