ANOTHER VIEW by Joe Alcorta: Consider reasons to offer thanks_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

ANOTHER VIEW:
Consider reasons to offer thanks

By Joe Alcorta

Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving Day Nov. 25. Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday in our nation. Most businesses and all schools allow their employees to be off that Thursday.

We celebrate Thanksgiving because in October 1789, both houses of Congress requested President George Washington to proclaim a day of thanksgiving.

This year, even before the turkey is sliced, let us stop and give thanks to God and to people for the many things we enjoy.

Sure, we have bills to pay and problems to solve. We have sickness, stress and death in our families. But regardless of circumstances, we Americans have so many things for which to be thankful:

If you are reading this, you are alive. Thank God that you are alive. Regardless of your health condition, thank God for your health. There always are others who are worse off. Thank God for your doctor and medications.

And if you are reading this, you probably have been eating. So, let's take time to thank God for the food we eat daily. It may be hard for you to realize there are hundreds of people who die every day because they have nothing to eat.

Most of us at one time or another have worked or still are working. Let us thank God for our place of employment. Take time to thank your boss, manager or supervisor for providing a job for you. And you bosses, how about saying thank you to those hard-working and faithful employees?

And clothing? Check your closet! Most Americans have an abundance of clothes and shoes in their closets they do not use. Let us thank God for our clothing.

Regardless of how big or small your home is, it is a home. Again, there are thousands of people who are homeless.

Best of all, we have families! At one time or another, we all have had parents and grandparents. And if not parents and grandparents, perhaps an uncle or an aunt who took care of you and provided food, clothing and shelter during your childhood years. Take time to say thank you to Mom and Dad for all they have done for you. Take time to say thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for all the love they have shared with you. Do you have a spouse? Take time to say, “Thank you for what you do for me.”

Also, at one time or another, we have had teachers, men and women who have influenced our lives. Why not take time this Thanksgiving and say a special thank you to that special elementary, middle school, high school or university teacher? Call them, e-mail them, send them a card or, better yet, visit them in person. A kind word from you would mean so much. I challenge you to do that.

And what about that preacher? If you have a little religion, perhaps you attend a church where a minister has blessed you in a special way. Take time to say thank you to them. Don't forget the spouses of these church leaders. They, too, need an encouraging word. Take time to show your appreciation to your children's teachers at church.

Everybody has friends. Well, at least one. There always are people who have come our way. People we know from school, work, church, the grocery store, the doctor's office and Little League. A kind word, a card or a phone call saying, “Thank you for being my friend” certainly will be appreciated. Try it. What do you have to lose?

I personally have much for which to be thankful.

I thank God for the privilege of living in this great country. Our Bill of Rights has given me freedom of speech, religion and the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” I am thankful for the right and privilege of voting.

I thank the Lord for my good health.

I thank God for great and caring parents who were great role models for me.

My wife of 42, years, Liandra, has done so much for me. She is a great spiritual lady.

Our four children–Cecilia, Joe, Adriel and Andrew–have brought great joy to our lives. I am thankful for what each one has taught me.

And, of course, our seven grandchildren–Roy, Jessica, Michael, Morgan, Caleb, Ashby and Trey–have changed our lives forever.

I am thankful for my eight brothers and sisters. I know without a doubt that they love me and are my great encouragers.

OK, I challenge you to take time this Thanksgiving and say thank you to someone special and see what happens.

Try it. You will like the results.

Joe Alcorta has been professor of Spanish at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene 33 years. He has written numerous books, and lessons from “Speak Spanish in 60 Days” have been published in several newspapers.