For the beauty of the earth

I've always felt that I am one of the luckiest people on this earth: I was born in America, in the 20th century, I am reasonably healthy, reasonably intelligent, and reasonably good looking. I'm not a member of any oppressed minority. I have more than my fair share of parents who love me and step-brothers and step-sisters whom I love and just think of as brothers and sisters. All of my grandparents lived at least until I was 18. My nieces are beautiful, intelligent, fun women. I have a good job that I like with co-workers who graciously deal with engineer jokes from the admin staff; a hobby that provides me with hours and hours pleasure in the company of like-minded folks; and lots of good friends who are better to me than I deserve. David is kind, generous, funny, and never boring. The only things I would change about my life involve the size of my nose, butt, and bank account.

And pretty much nothing in the above paragraph came about by any efforts on my part. I just sat there and had blessings rained down on me. I have much to be thankful for.

I'll have *three* Thanksgiving meals: David and I are joining Mom this morning at the retirement community where she lives, we're going to Ira's tonight (and Ira is a very, very good cook), and we're going to Martinsburg, West Virginia (about 80 miles from my place) tomorrow to celebrate with Dad and Audrey. Three lovely meals with good company and I'm not doing a darn thing to create them. Well, okay, I'll help clear the table.

Here's a wish for you and yours: Have a lovely Thanksgiving surrounded by your near and dear.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.
This, oh Lord, to Thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.