There's an old saying: Any day above ground is a good day.
If you're reading this, chances are you fit in that category and have at least one reason for which to give thanks on Thanksgiving.
Most of us have plenty of other reasons.
As we overindulge on turkey and dressing and feast guiltlessly on desserts, we should take a few moments to give thanks.
I'm thankful for the things that I have and don't have.
I'm thankful I don't have:
-- The wrong prayers answered. There have been a number of times God has closed a door to open another one.
-- A quiet house. It gets a little noisy with five children: two kindergarteners, two first-graders and a 12-year-old. Their ages speak for themselves. Then there's, at times, an agitated wife sweetly grumbling because I forgot to put a trash bag back in the trash can. She has also figured out I'm not Mr. Fix-it, so I have a few resolutions come Jan. 1. In all seriousness, our little blended family is like any other family. I couldn't ask for more. Kristy and I both feel fortunate to have our little rugrats: Parker, Keaton, Starr, Elizabeth and Lauren. They all turn a bad day into a good day. I can't imagine life now without any of them.
-- An empty table on Thanksgiving. There will be plenty of food at the Brasfields and Kennedys to stretch the waistline. And there will be good people seated around the table at both houses. The most difficult part is saving room at one, to overdo it again at the other. I'll take a football nap or two, before going back for seconds (OK, thirds).
-- A dreaded disease. There are some laying in the hospital, wishing they were in their own homes to enjoy a meal today. Health is something often taken for granted. We don't think about it until we lose it.
-- The need to look at the jobs section of the classifieds. There are a lot of Americans out of work these days. Some are looking for jobs; some have giving up hope for employment. I'm fortunate to not only have an opportunity to receive a paycheck, but work for a great company and an understanding boss, willing to go to bat for me. The reason I got into this business was public service. I'm thankful Mr. Tennyson has kept me around going on 10 years. One doesn't make a lot of friends in this business, but there aren't many jobs that are more rewarding.
-- At buzzing alarm clock at 3 a.m. Black Friday. My alarm clock will be set at its normal time Friday morning. The deal-seekers can have all the sale items they want. I tried Black Friday one year and vowed never to fight those crowds again. Hats off to those who survive.
-- A cave for a prayer closet. We're free to worship as we wish. We don't have to hide to do so. We aren't forced to believe in one religion or another. We have the opportunity to choose for ourselves. Most readers know that I wear my religion on my sleeve at times, something I wouldn't be able to do in some other countries. That freedom is often taken for granted.
-- A gun in my hand and sand in my boots. Our service men and women have sacrificed everything, including time with their families during the holidays. Because of their service, we enjoy liberties.
Space wouldn't allow all I have to be thankful for today, just like everyone else if we stop to think about it.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com