Home Opinion Editorials A time of thanksgiving: Turn gratefulness into renewed commitment to community

A time of thanksgiving: Turn gratefulness into renewed commitment to community

Written by Observer editorial reports November 30, 2009 08:30 am

Is the spirit of Thanksgiving alive in your household — and in your heart — today?

Thanksgiving Day offers an annual reminder to all of us that we should pause, if even for a moment, and give thanks for the things we have.

Each of us should take time to think about, to appreciate, what makes our lives special. For some of us that might be family, friends, love, health or simply having food on the table and a roof over our heads. Especially this year, when many people are doing with less — much less — than they ever have. Times are that tough for some. Pause again, if you will, and think about the many people who don’t have the family and friends and the amenities and necessities of life that most of us, luckily, have come to take for granted — if even on a limited scale. Then, if you can, consider what impact you could have on the lives of others.

Consider using this Thanksgiving to make a commitment to show your appreciation by helping those who are less fortunate. Perhaps it could be through a cash donation to an organization that provides services to people in need. Perhaps it could be through donations of food. Or through volunteering time to an organization that impacts the lives of people — people who are our neighbors and part of our
comunity.
Avenues for giving are endless, and every donation is important.

So take time today, some time between the turkey, the football games and the leftovers, to appreciate and give thanks for what you have. Then turn that appreciation into action. Make a commitment, on this day that begets the Season of Giving, to make a difference in the lives of others.

Each of us knows what that could be. We all have something or someone to be thankful for, and for that reason there should be something each of us can do to make our community, our world, just a little bit better.