Thankful 2010

I wrote this to share with my Hospice coworkers. However, there are some points which I'd like to share with everyone:

At this time I ask each of us to realize that we are in the unique position to recognize what we have to be thankful for. For we see people who are often in the most pain, suffering, doubt and despair they have ever known in their entire life.

And we are not those people. Rather, we are in the unique and wonderful position where we may be able to help ease their pain with a loving touch, a heart-felt word or a willing shoulder to lend for a while.

We will, all too frequently, become stressed, worried and sick because of the many small things which continue to flow into and out of our life. At this time, it would be so much better if we could turn our faces and our hearts to realize the many wonderful things which also flow, all too briefly, into our life.

For those who worry about whether the turkey will be done on time, cooked correctly and please everyone; please be grateful that we have food and friends to share it with.

For those who worry about traffic, crowds and weather delays; please be grateful that we have family and friends; wonderful people to be with and to share our love. When your family walks through your door, please remember to tell them how much you love them.

For those who are afraid of the future and the painful or hard things which may be in it; please be grateful that right now, right here, we have gentle things, good people and powerful love to share.

For myself, in addition to all these things, I am grateful that this year I have come to this place in my life. I have found good work to do. I have found you; good people who also do this work, even when it is sometimes very hard. I have learned more about myself and my place in this universe.

And I am thankful.