Give Thanks........

Most of us in America will give thanks tomorrow. Many parents will ask their children to recite a prayer before the feast. Others will spout those silly words of grace we've all heard one time or another. And some will skip the pre-meal expressions of gratitude altogether. When I take my seat tomorrow I will be reminded of the many reasons I am thankful. As I look around the table I will be thankful to be surrounded by my family and the meal we will share. I am thankful for this great country and to have been born an American. I am thankful for the alarm clock that rings at 4:30 am everyday, it means I have a job. I am thankful for the mortgage payment every month, it means I have a home. I am thankful the pain I feel in my back, it means I can walk. I am thankful for the church bells I hear, it means I am free to worship in peace.
Across this great nation there will be families with a loved one who has made the choice to serve their country. Those brave men and women will be sharing a meal in a far away land and some will be in communion with Our Lord. In between the turkey and the pumpkin pie, give thanks to those missing from the dinner table.