Gratitude for Goodness
This coming Thursday, Americans around the world will be celebrating Thanksgiving, a festive national holiday first observed in the early 1600s. It is a wonderful time to gather together with family and friends to express gratitude for all our blessings.
In the past, I, like many, have had a long list of things for which I am grateful. This year is going to be a little different; I plan to fill my list with all the expressions of Love that I have observed personally, through media outlets, and on social media throughout the year.
With the constant barrage of disturbing news spotlighting the turmoil in the world: terrorist attacks, bloody conflicts, disease outbreaks, senseless killings, and much angry and hateful rhetoric, it is too easy to overlook all the good that is going on—and those dear people who reach out to humanity to help and heal. So let’s a few moments to consider a couple of wonderful, heartwarming examples.
U.S. President Jimmy Carter, renowned for his humanitarian work and considered by many to be the greatest living former president, has poured his heart, soul, and spirit into eradicating a painful disease that has affected many people in Africa—guinea worm, a painful disease spread through unclean, unfiltered drinking water. With the Carter Center leading the campaign since 1986, that goal has almost been reached. At one time numbering 3,600,000 cases, it is now down to 11 currently know cases. Extraordinary!
This past Saturday evening, a friend I met on Facebook, Robin Chamberlain Transø, was honored with the People's Choice Award in Middleton, Wisconsin, for her work to help provide access to health care for those who most need it and may not be able to afford it. Speaking of herself and the other recipients of this special award she stated, “We are a part of the New People’s Movement that works for the betterment of our world. I would have to say it is EXACTLY the polar opposite of Terrorism. We fight with love.”
For President Carter, Robin Transø, and the myriad others dedicated to bringing healing, harmony, and peace to all creation, and to protecting our amazing, beautful planet, I offer profound gratitude. Your unselfed expression of Love is humbling and awe-inspiring!
This coming Thursday, Americans around the world will be celebrating Thanksgiving, a festive national holiday first observed in the early 1600s. It is a wonderful time to gather together with family and friends to express gratitude for all our blessings.
In the past, I, like many, have had a long list of things for which I am grateful. This year is going to be a little different; I plan to fill my list with all the expressions of Love that I have observed personally, through media outlets, and on social media throughout the year.
With the constant barrage of disturbing news spotlighting the turmoil in the world: terrorist attacks, bloody conflicts, disease outbreaks, senseless killings, and much angry and hateful rhetoric, it is too easy to overlook all the good that is going on—and those dear people who reach out to humanity to help and heal. So let’s a few moments to consider a couple of wonderful, heartwarming examples.
U.S. President Jimmy Carter, renowned for his humanitarian work and considered by many to be the greatest living former president, has poured his heart, soul, and spirit into eradicating a painful disease that has affected many people in Africa—guinea worm, a painful disease spread through unclean, unfiltered drinking water. With the Carter Center leading the campaign since 1986, that goal has almost been reached. At one time numbering 3,600,000 cases, it is now down to 11 currently know cases. Extraordinary!
This past Saturday evening, a friend I met on Facebook, Robin Chamberlain Transø, was honored with the People's Choice Award in Middleton, Wisconsin, for her work to help provide access to health care for those who most need it and may not be able to afford it. Speaking of herself and the other recipients of this special award she stated, “We are a part of the New People’s Movement that works for the betterment of our world. I would have to say it is EXACTLY the polar opposite of Terrorism. We fight with love.”
For President Carter, Robin Transø, and the myriad others dedicated to bringing healing, harmony, and peace to all creation, and to protecting our amazing, beautful planet, I offer profound gratitude. Your unselfed expression of Love is humbling and awe-inspiring!
