I was scanning the aisles at Trader Joe’s when I noticed one of its 99-cent greeting cards.
The message caught my eye: “Let our lives be full of BOTH Thanks & Giving.”
It struck me as the perfect card for the Thanksgiving holiday. I grabbed it and carried it off with the rest of my purchases, planning to bestow it on a loved one at our annual feast.
But while the card patiently awaits its presentation on the holiday, the message has stayed with me. What better sentiment to express at this time of year?
Just when Thanksgiving is on our minds, we’re inundated by pleas for money from a variety of causes. At the same time, we want to give holiday presents to loved ones, friends, and acquaintances.
My proposal: Let’s focus on both giving thanks and just plain giving.
So, as we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this week, I’m keeping both in mind.
First, let’s give thanks for all of the good things in our lives. If you have any of the following, you’re lucky indeed and should feel grateful: Loving family, good health, caring friends, cheerful acquaintances, some degree of success in your profession or work of any kind, and achievement of (or progress toward) whatever goals you may have.
Next, if you’re financially able to assist a good cause (or many), this is a splendid time of year to send them gifts. For most charitable and other good causes, a monetary gift in almost any amount is welcome. So please think about opening your wallet, your checkbook, or your online ability to send funds, and make a gift to show that you support these groups.
You can also scour your home and donate usable items you no longer need to worthy groups that will pass them on to others.
Finally, giving presents to those you love and care about may also be important to you. But try to keep the health of our planet in mind when you choose those gifts.
Good karma will come to you. Or so I like to think.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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susanjustwrites
Susan Just Writes 