GRATITUDE

The other day someone said to me,"This country is in such a mess I don't see how we're ever going to get out of it." And that set me to thinking. A mess? Well, I'm sure everyone would agree there are problems that have to be solved. The unemployment rate is pretty high, much too high if you're pounding the pavements looking for work in some parts of the country, and the terrorist threat is downright scary. It's sad to think how many people in other parts of the world seem to hate us, in spite of the fact that we haven't done anything to them, and in many cases have tried to help them as much as we can. Yet there are still those who'd do us harm and, of course, we can't forget that looming national debt which all the soothsayers say our children and grandchildren will be saddled with unless we do something about it. So there are problems, horrendous problems I agree. Out country isn't perfect, far from it.

But ask yourself: would you want to live anyplace else? I think we all know the answer to that. So as Christmas and the holiday season approaches it occurred to me that maybe we should pause a moment in our sometimes hectic lives and practice a little simple gratitude. The results might surprise you. Just think how lucky you are if your kids and grandkids are healthy, that you have food on the table, and a warm, cozy house to come home to. Pause a moment to say thanks if somebody loves you, in spite of all your faults and little quirks. Okay, it's a cliché but I firmly believe that love really does make the world go round. And what about dear friends who put up with you when you're cranky and lift you up when you're down? Will you ever forget that kind soul who took the kids and ran your errands when you were laid low with the flu? And what about that sweet person who held your hand when you lost a loved one and felt your whole world was tumbling down? Friends--we couldn't do without them.

So the country's a mess? I don't think so. We have problems sure, but instead of bemoaning out fate what do you say we count our blessings and be grateful? Gratitude doesn't cost a thing and it'll make you happy; I guarantee it! Especially at this season of the year. Merry Christmas.