The Face of Thanksgiving.
In a simpletons mind (mine), there have always been two types of people; The one who wakes up and says ‘Good Morning, God‘ and the others who say ‘Good God, Morning?’”. I do have to admit, sometimes i’ve languished over and in, the latter. Waking up in the morning having to face a stressful and tiring set of circumstances just doesn’t bode well with me sometimes. And thus, starts the self absorbing spiral which leads me to be less mindful of the continued blessings my family (and this great country) have been given by our Maker. And yet, as soon as I kick my ego to the side and honestly look at the way’s i’ve been blessed (family, friends, freedom, career, health, etc) and acknowledge the gratitude I have in my heart…my day is off to a great start. I know… sounds a bit “hokie” but hey, after 52 years you’d think i’d have this down pat (never said i was real smart guys!), however now i can say, (with a bit of satisfaction) that the trivial things do seem to pass me by a bit quicker now! Maturity? Maybe.
So on this Thanksgiving Day, being apart from my family (but spending with friends here in SoCal), i’m mindful of a humble person who’s words help refocus my vision on what is important. Wendall Brown. Mr. Brown lives in Brentwood California, and is a homeless veteran who sells poems on the street corner. So, with a donation, you receive this beautifully written and forceful poem (as well as a lesson in humility) from Mr. Brown.
A Day To Be Thankful
I’m thankful for Thanksgiving Day
Because it brings to mind
The gifts I’ve had along the way
And blessings, every kind.
I’m thankful that I live my life
In this great land of ours.
That I’ve not had to give my life,
And sleep beneath the flowers.
Much thanks must go to all who fought
To keep us safe and free.
Their sacrifice has dearly bought
Our peace and liberty.
We should remember all who came
Before us through the years
They kept our country much the same
By action, sweat and tears.
Not ever does a day go by
That I forget my folks.
My mother baking apple pie,
My sister with her jokes.
My dad was like a magistrate,
Who ruled on each dispute.
The claims must all be free from hate.
He’d grant or he’d refute.
I owe a debt of gratitude
To teachers that I’ve had.
They helped to shape my attitude
And spanked when I was bad.
The Bible says Our Father, God
Will give us daily bread,
But I would not believe it odd
If two days passed instead.
There are so very many things
We should be thankful for.
It’s good we have a day which brings
God’s harvest to our door.
. . . . . Turkey and Pumpkin Pie . . . . .
. . . . . . . . And Friendship . . . . . . . .
You can find out more about Mr. Brown’s story HERE.
