Giving Thanks by Giving Back

I have been giving this some thought for the last few days and I keep coming back to the “same place”.

I realize that Thanksgiving has been our country’s day of thanks since 1621 (Fact Check!) and many profess through the social mediums that they are blessed and therefore, thankful every day.

Let’s face it; Thanksgiving Day and the Wal-Mart stampede on the day after called “Black Friday” has thrust this special day into little more than a tailgate party for the movie marathons and football games on TV. It signals the “official” start of the holiday shopping season and the kick-in-the-pants to get those heirloom, plastic Christmas lawn ornaments up and illuminated.

Seriously; how many actually recite the history of this day, spend time asking each other what they have to be thankful for or take a moment to remember all of our brave men and women who are on duty that day; be it the military, fire, police, EMS, hospitals or convenience stores?

My money is on chatter such as: “Did you get a deer yet? Did you see the game last night? Miley Cyrus’ tour bus was in a wreck? What time are you hitting the stores tomorrow? You doing an on-line shopping this year?”

You get the picture.

Don’t get me wrong; family, togetherness and the joy that it brings us is important to us and even more so this year.

Many of us are in the same “boat”. It might be a slightly, smaller boat, but at least OUR boat is still afloat!

We are still faced with the uncertainties of our economy with budget cuts, lay-offs, home foreclosures, double-digit unemployment and a weakened dollar.

Many have exhausted their unemployment benefits and their job searches. Many have cashed in their retirement plans to pay for mortgages, college and health insurance. As you can see, THEIR boats are sinking.

I was thinking: “You know; we have the entire rest of the year to feel lousy. Why can’t we at least feel good during the holiday season?”

Whether you receive your joy from getting help or you are joyful when helping others, then you should enjoy it.

My point is this: I want us to be thankful that WE can be helpful. That’s my message this year.

God knows that I have much to be thankful for. But this year, there are organizations that need our help both large and small. Neighbors, friends, relatives, total strangers, homeless shelters, animal shelters, other fire departments and ambulance services. They need to know that they are still valued members of our communities who will get healthy again; quite possibly with our help.

So please; prepare a meal, serve a meal, take a bag of canned goods to the food pantry, drop your change into the Kettle, take a warm coat, gloves, hats and scarves to a goodwill center or send a gift card to someone that you know is struggling. Send it anonymously if they’re too proud to take charity. Make a donation in the name of a loved one.

I think that many of us have been there at least once in our lives. Think back to how you felt.

Then, don’t do it because it makes YOU feel good. Do it because it will make SOMEONE ELSE feel good.

And don’t worry; our humility will tell us how to feel.

Remember the reason for the season.

Be joyous…

But, share the joy!

TCSS.

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