Thankful for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is hours away. It’s hard to believe, considering I’m still eating left-over Halloween candy. Perhaps it was the snow that kept trick-or-treaters away this year. It couldn’t have been my candy selection, or could it have been?
Anyway, I will soon take on the not-so-friendly skies to visit with relatives in Maryland. I’m bracing myself for politics to arise during the meal. I hope sharp utensils are far from sight lines, as past holidays (in recent years) have been quite “spirited.” Will this year be different?
Years ago I came across a poem. I wish I knew who originated the poem as I’ve seen it published many times, with different folks credited for it. I guess posting it online is the new form of original writing. Regardless, I thought it was appropriate for the next few weeks as many of us spend lots of time with loved ones, and not-so-loved ones. Here it goes…
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
BE KIND ANYWAY.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
SUCCEED ANYWAY.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
BE HONEST AND SINCERE ANYWAY.
What you spend years creating, others can destroy overnight.
CREATE ANYWAY.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
BE HAPPY ANYWAY.
The good you do today will often be forgotten.
DO GOOD ANYWAY.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
IT WAS NEVER BETWEEN YOU AND THEM ANYWAY.
So, when the dinner conversation takes that detour, and you see that 10-car pile-up on the horizon, take a deep breath and remember… BE THANKFUL, ANYWAY.
