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             The Secret of Thanksgiving

The holiday festivities in America have officially begun.  In 
this season we call Thanksgiving, millions of people will 
pause to take stalk of the things they have for which to be 
thankful.  Only this year, they will do so at a time of war 
and of economic crisis.

Normally, these are quite happy times for most.  However, I 
can't help but wonder in the midst of recent tragic events, 
how many will spend this Thanksgiving with one less family 
member around their table.

In spite of this, we do give thanks, and we find plenty for 
which to be thankful...our families, our homes, clothing, a 
good variety of foods from which to choose, heaters during 
chilly winters, friends, a sunny day.

We find more pleasure in the simple, fundamental things of 
life.  This is where thankfulness begins.

In a book I've had since I was a little girl, the popular 
Linus character of Charles Schultz's Charlie Brown series 
asserts, "Happiness is a warm blanket."  This simple statement 
pretty well sums it up...finding security in an unsecure world.

Have you ever noticed that the most successful entrepreneurs 
have a positive outlook?  Why?  Because they feed on progress.  
I'm not saying they ignore the negative or challenging events 
in their lives.  No, they simply don't choose to dwell there.  

Being thankful takes us to positive, progressive levels.

I heard recently quoted, "The spirit of gratitude is always 
pleasant and satisfying because it carries with it a sense of 
helpfulness to others; it begets love and friendship, and 
engenders divine influence.  Gratitude is said to be the 
memory of the heart."

Yes, we are in a time of tragedy, but even events of war 
cannot disrupt what is good and true.  We are learning some 
valuable lessons.  It is what we do with these lessons that 
will determine who wins the current war.

It all begins with thankfulness.

Claims David O. McKay, "Gratitude is deeper than thanks. 
Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the 
completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of 
words. Gratitude is shown in acts."

The word "thanksgiving" has two parts to it - "thanks" and 
"giving."

There you have the secret of Thanksgiving.  Thankfulness 
engenders gratitude.  Gratitude engenders giving...serving.

Our seven-year-old son understands this principle and very 
aptly taught it to me recently.

Our son spent a day with his grandfather last week.  They went 
out to my father's property to do some work.  On the way there 
they stopped and bought some snacks.  Our son was anxious to 
use his own money he had earned and bought two packs of 
Skittles, one for his brother and one for himself.  

On the way home from working out at the property, they ran 
into an old man with a backpack along the road.  My father 
stopped the car, got out and offered him some money.  Our son, 
feeling the significance of the moment and the richness of his 
own life, also got out of the car and spontaneously offered 
the old man both packs of Skittles.  I usually tell our 
children that spending their heart-earned money on candy is 
wasteful.  I will no longer be giving this lecture.

As you contemplate the things for which you are thankful this 
holiday season, let that thankfulness work within you to 
compel you to action.

Albert Schweitzer affirms, "I don't know what your destiny 
will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who 
will be really happy are those who have sought and found how 
to serve."

This service extends to your loved ones, your local economy, 
your country and to your customers.  Serve others' needs and 
ultimately, your own needs will be served.

Be thankful and celebrate the season.  Don't let events stop 
you.  Send a word of encouragement to a loved one, buy someone 
a gift, help someone in need, give greater customer service.  
Give of yourself and not only your wallet.

Find something to be thankful for...TODAY.  But, don't sell 
yourself short by stopping there.  Do something with your 
gratitude.

I don't know about you, but this season I am especially 
grateful for a secure, warm blanket.  Perhaps there is someone 
else who could use a warm blanket.

------
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