This month, on November 28, we will awaken to celebrate Thanksgiving, a good time to count our blessings for all we have to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving should be a time to return to the basics or what some may call those issues that really matter in our day-to-day lives.
Dr. Barton Goldsmith, in 2012, published an essay denoting the top ten things we should be thankful for on this special day.
According to Goldsmith, we should be thankful for growing older as not everyone gets the opportunity to do so.
“Aging with health and grace is a rare and beautiful gift,” Goldsmith said.
And, Goldsmith said, we should be thankful we can read as there are many people who lack that ability.
“If you have to wait in line at the supermarket for your Thanksgiving dinner, be thankful you can afford what you want to eat,” Goldsmith. “We are all aware that many people are waiting in line to be served a meal at a local homeless shelter.”
“Be thankful for the ability to pay your bills, even if it means that you have to give up some things that you want,” he continued. “Remember that having basic needs is a luxury for many people.”
Goldsmith’s final points are equally poignant.
“If you have to get up before dawn to get to work, be thankful that you get to see another sunrise and have a job to go to,” Goldsmith said.
“When you are stuck in traffic, be thankful you have a car to get where you need to go and money to buy gas,” he continued. “When kids are screaming at each other, be thankful you have children to love and who love you, and remember at least some of the time, they do get along. There will always be bumps in the road but they are usually followed by easier times.”
And, Goldsmith urged readers to be thankful for having love in your life and someone to grow old with.
“When your parents are telling you how to run your life, be thankful that you still have them around, “Goldsmith said. “If they are no longer with you, take a moment to be thankful for the time you had with them.”
Finally, this author ties it all together in his final point.
“When you sit down with your loved ones for Thanksgiving dinner, be thankful for everyone and everything that makes it possible,” Goldsmith said. “Look your family and friends in the eye and express to them your gratitude for sharing this wonderful time together.”
Yes, Dr. Goldsmith’s advice is food for thought for the next year.
Happy Thanksgiving to all and it’s never to soon to say Merry Christmas too.
-Richard Shank
Kansas State Fair Ambassador
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board Member
About the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, KFF’s mission is to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a vision of inspiring excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities. The Foundation exists to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Kansas State Fair and at the 500+ events on the Fairgrounds year-round.
