Thanksgiving

Sometimes, we just forget to say 'thank you'.
Or maybe we've just evolved into a society where everything, and everyone, is taken for granted.
There are no random acts of kindness anymore, everything is expected of you, without regard of its benefit to you, if any.
We take many things in this life for granted.
As a child, you have to expect this to some degree.  They're small and don't know the difference between needs and wants, but yet they understand that much of their little lives are in the control of someone else, and that 'someone else' is required to do what it takes to make them happy.
Our three-year-old makes an attempt to get what she wants by making a statement, as opposed to asking.  Case in point.
Scene...the kitchen on a Friday morning, one where we're both off work at the same time.  We're sitting at the kitchen table having our coffee.  Savannah walks in.
"I want yogurt."
Simple enough request, right?
That's just it.  It's not phrased as a request, but rather, an order.
And we nip it in the bud.
"That's nice, honey."
That's when she remembers her manners.
"Please".
And maybe I'm being petty on this one, but it's not enough.
"Ask."
Sometimes I get a huff with it, but she does get it done.
"Daddy, may I please have some yogurt?"
Much better.
The answer might not always be in her favor, but we make sure to thank her for her politeness.
So many parents forget to do this for their own children.
Especially when the parents don't practice this simple act to each other.
Are we this thankless for all we have that we've ceased to practice this simple act?
On this upcoming Thanksgiving Day holiday, stop for a moment to reflect.
"It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."
Everyone has something to be thankful for.
Even those who don't have much in the way of material possessions.
I know many people who are poor in the material sense, but very wealthy in all the ways that count.
Now once again:
What are you thankful for this year?


NEXT WEEK:  Four Decades