Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

“When I look back on the suffering in my life, this may sound really strange, but I see it now as a gift. I would have never asked for it for a second. I hated it while it was happening, and I protested as loudly as I could, but suffering happened anyway. Now, in retrospect, I see the way in which it deepened my being immeasurably.” – Ram Dass

This weekend is Thanksgiving in Canada.

For a few of us, it’s a chaotic weekend, preparing a huge meal and hosting all of our relatives.

If we are fortunate, it’s an opportunity to connect with friends and family and gorge on food and drink.

And for some, this is just as a long weekend with a day off of school or work.

Regardless of where you are or who you are with, I’d like to invite you to take a moment and be thankful.

Begin by taking note of a few things that you have.

Be grateful for …

… your health.

… the people are in your life.

… the work that you do and the opportunity to serve.

Take a moment to celebrate …

… the friends and family that you have the opportunity to spend time with.

… the bounty of food and drink and those that prepared this fantastic meal.

… the fact that you are alive and in the presence of people that love you.

Expand your gratitude to include …

… the farmers that planted and harvested the food that has brought everyone together.

… those that may be less fortunate.

… the challenges that we have had to overcome and the opportunities that we have.

I am grateful for my wife and two daughters, I am thankful for my family and friends, and I feel blessed for the opportunity to do the work that I do.

It is a wonderful time to be alive.

And I am thankful for all of you.

I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving.