As the title says, this is just another article about Thanksgiving. Only, it's not. I'm not going to tell you what you should be thankful for. Instead, I'm going to tell you the things you shouldn't take for granted this Thanksgiving.
If you're anything like me, this Thanksgiving I'm sure you'll be sitting around a big feast with your loved ones. This is one thing you shouldn't take for granted. There are millions of men, women, and children in your town, over the entire United States, and other countries, who don't know where their next meal is coming from. Some of us, myself included, take for granted that we can eat whatever and whenever we want. Sometimes we eat so much we can barely move. So this Thanksgiving, instead of stuffing yourself, eat what you want but take the extras and give them to someone you know doesn't have a meal waiting for them when they get home. Or go down to a homeless shelter, (I promise there are plenty of those), and serve them a meal. Don't take for granted that you have as much food as you could ever want, or maybe even more.
After my family has stuffed ourselves with food, we usually go and watch football, play cards, or just sit around and talk about "the good ol' days," as my grandfather likes to recap his life and what he did so many years ago. I am in awe of some of the stories he has to tell from the years he spent as a Marine in the United States Military. This is one other thing I think everyone takes for granted. A lot of members on both sides of my family were a part of the U.S. Military. They know firsthand what it's like to be in the middle of a war. While some people have a difference of opinion, I believe that our Armed Forces are something we should all appreciate. These men and women are risking their lives to keep us safe. While we are sound asleep in our beds, they're protecting us to the best of their ability. They are true heroes. I am so grateful, and owe my lives to these wonderful and brave human beings. The people who protect us should never be taken for granted.
One last thing we shouldn't take for granted, and the most important thing, is the fact that in America I can worship whoever or whatever I want. I can go to church on Sunday morning or post a Bible verse on social media and not get dragged out of my house, because I have that right. In some countries, there are people being persecuted and tortured because they don't believe what the government says they need to believe. The right to freedom of religion under the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States protects my rights and my freedom to worship my God. My God and the ability to worship Him is something I will never take for granted.
These are only a couple things that you shouldn't take for granted this holiday season. Remember, we're lucky to live as well as we do. Be grateful for what you have and don't stress about what you don't.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
