“A Thanksgiving Reflection” was originally published on the website of STAND (Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination) and is published with their permission
When I was young, the world seemed so safe. Murders occurred, sure, but always to someone else, and almost always far away. I would read about famine, but I was never hungry. And I heard about people who were ill or disabled, but I could freely play. For these blessings, the young person that I was gave thanks.
Since then, I’ve grown older, and the horrors of this world have alighted closer to home, sometimes far too close. I lost my son to a youthful suicide. Nearly all of the friends with whom I adventured in my prime have gone on to their next adventures. I’ve faced ruin and recovery, wreck and regret. And the daily news is like a Groundhog Day rerun of a tour of Hades.
So what is there to give thanks for?
Plenty. A very large contingent of mankind has mobilized to douse the fires of hatred. Thank you to the many organizations, such as STAND, which have mobilized to fight back. I thank all who stand with them. And I thank all of my Christian friends, Jewish friends, Latter-day Saint friends, Muslim friends, Sikh friends, indeed I thank all who practice their religion with love and charity in order to make this world a better place. I thank the many who, with or without religious reinforcement, devote their days to servicing those in need. Lastly, I thank the artists who reach deep into their spiritual and creative wellsprings. They bring forth their vision of beauty to uplift the world. It’s quite a team. And it’s quite a challenge.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In