When we look at the national headlines today, negative news is prevalent — fires in California, battles over immigration, uncertain election results, GoFundMe fraud. But between those stories, sometimes “below the fold” or relegated to some inside page, there is much to be thankful for.
Maybe it’s a companion story, or “sidebar,” about firefighters from all over the country traveling to California to help out. Our local firefighters in the Snoqualmie Valley have sent people to help.
It’s easy to overlook those stories.
Sometimes it’s difficult to pause the noise of controversy and outrage that seems so prevalent in our world today, but that’s exactly what we need every now and again.
As we move into the holiday season, I invite you to join me in taking a moment to be thankful for something. In that moment, don’t be angry or outraged, be only thankful.
What you choose to be thankful for doesn’t have to be something big or life changing. Maybe you’re thankful your car started that morning. Maybe you’re thankful the mashed potatoes were delicious at Thanksgiving dinner. There must be something to be thankful for. Find it and take a moment to recognize it.
I also ask that you join me in doing something for our communities. Maybe you can’t donate five hours every Sunday to chop potatoes at a soup kitchen. If you can, please do it. If you can’t, you can’t. But maybe you can find a charity to donate $50, or $20, or $10, or $5 to. Maybe you can donate blood. Maybe you can check in on an elderly neighbor or distant relative. Maybe you bring them a treat, or maybe you just say hello. Whatever you can do, I ask that you do it.
The holiday season is an excellent time to reflect on what we have and what we can do for others. Maybe you don’t celebrate any holidays — well, with Dec. 21 being the shortest day of the year, we can all use a little bit more “light” in our lives in the next couple months. Let your kindness be a beacon in the otherwise dim, overcast days ahead. There’s always a good excuse to do good things.
And more than anything, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy holiday season.
