Let us give thanks.
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Let us give thanks to the little things we take for granted; such as common courtesy, a smile, a simple act of kindness, and a moment of laughter. Let us give thanks to the men and women who defend us, to our friends and family who listen to us, and to those who respect the dignity of the human spirit. Let us not take anything for granted, nor overlook life's little pleasures, knowing big things originate from small beginnings.
We should also thank God we are not plagued by the pestilence of war and disease, that we live in a land of plenty.
These are strange times we live in. Life is no longer what we remember, and it confounds us. Entertainment is different, business is different, our politics are more visceral, our social mores are different, even our sense of humor is changing. Plain and simple, people are different. What has been the result? The FBI tells us violent crime has risen over the last two years. The CDC reports our annual suicide rate has increased to the highest point in 28 years. Poverty is at 13.5%. And for every new church built, four close.
Fortunately, there are some positive indicators on the horizon, representing a return to normalcy, such as a reduction in the unemployment rate, a rise in our Gross Domestic Product, a booming stock market, and we now donate over $250 billion each year to charity. So, it is a matter of keeping our cool, keeping our morality, keeping our humanity. Lord, please give us the patience, strength and wisdom to do what is right. Now, more than ever, we need to stand on principle. Let us recognize evil for what it is, call it such, and have the courage to strike it down.
If our spirits are challenged, let us never forget it is always dark before the dawn of a new day. Despite the woes we may face, let us always be cognizant there is someone in more trouble than we are. Let us pray for the health and safety of everyone around this table. And let us be thankful for the bounty we are about to receive. In God's name, Amen.
Keep the Faith!
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Tim Bryce is a freelance writer and management consultant in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
For Tim’s columns, see: timbryce.com
Copyright © 2017 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
Also read Tim’s columns in the THE HUFFINGTON POST