I Give Thanks for the Necessities of Life

The necessities of life I too often take for granted 

But they ensure my life on the planet. 

I give thanks for clean, gentle moving air 

Most days of it I am unaware. 

I give thanks for solid ground beneath my feet 

Pure, life-supporting soil that nurtures the foods I eat. 

I give thanks for clean water to quench my thirst 

Shelter to protect me from nature’s worst. 

I give thanks for my body, soul, and mind 

My healthy connections with humankind. 

Today I make my grateful way 

On the path leading up to Thanksgiving Day.

I Give Thanks for Food Suppliers

I am grateful for all those along the way 

Who help provide the food for my Thanksgiving Day. 

Store cashiers, managers and stockers who lift the load, 

Truckers who drive long hours on the road. 

Farmers and laborers at the mercy of the weather,

Those who work in factories to put the food together. 

Today I make my grateful way 

On the path leading up to Thanksgiving Day.

I Give Thanks for Kindness

Turkey on my mind

I remember those who were kind.

Those who gave encouragement

Or offered needed nourishment

Of body, mind or spirit.

Those who gave much needed assistance,

Brightening my existence

In moments I questioned my inherent merit.

Today I make my grateful way 

On the path leading up to Thanksgiving Day.

First Comes Thanksgiving Day (Poem)

Just say “No!” 

To ho, ho, ho. 

Resist premature Christmas.

Go against the flow. 

Let your inner rebel shine.

Demand that Thanksgiving Day be next in line.

With your sense of gratitude align.

Spend the first weeks of November.

For all that is good to remember. 

Be the odd one in the crowd 

Dare to say aloud,

“Of Thanksgiving Day I am proud.”

Diagnosis of “Terminal Illness” (Affirmation)

I firmly believe that miracles can happen as the result of prayer/affirmation. At the same time, I don’t believe that we should use our prayers/affirmations to force someone to stay here, especially when they are in a great deal of pain. As a loved one, the situation can create a sort of paradox as we pray for a healing, but at the same time allow for a higher good to place, that may or may not involve the healing of the body. Yesterday, I was talking with my friend Nancy, whose brother-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Words are difficult at times like this, but here is a try. (Note, because this is such a difficult topic, I would be especially interested in any comments that readers feel might be helpful for me as a writer or for others who are dealing with the illness of a loved one.)

I let go of all belief in diagnosis and prognosis. Instead I see ______ [my loved one] as a child of God, surrounded by God’s presence. [You may want to visualize white light or a group of angels surrounding your loved one. I like the image of placing the person in the heart of Jesus.] God’s love and healing fill every cell of ______’s [my loved one’s] body. God’s peace fills ______’s [my loved one’s] heart and mind. God’s wisdom is guiding the actions of ____’s doctors and healthcare providers. God’s joy knows no bounds, and I know that moments of joy are still possible in the life of my loved one. I know that just as God is always with ______ [my loved one], God is always with me. I know that God’s wisdom guides my words and action when I spend time with ______ [my loved one]. I recognize that God’s power is infinite. I also allow God’s highest good to be done, whether it is a healing into renewed health, unexpected time together, or a healing into the next phase of God’s eternity.

Prayer for Turkey

Dear God, 

Please be with the people of Turkey today and in the weeks and months to come. Be with the searchers and rescuers, helping them to find any missing people quickly, giving them strength to free those who have been trapped. Be with the injured, giving them courage, healing them of their physical and emotional wounds. Be with those who have lost loved ones, wrapping your love around them and comforting them. Be with all of those affected by the earthquake, giving them strength, wisdom, and hope as they rebuild their lives and their communities. Let them know that you are always with them as a stable presence in their lives. A-men.

The Blessing of an Internal Compass

May your Internal Compass be strong 

And point you to where you truly belong. 

May you feel your purpose deep within your heart 

And in your thinking may it play a big part. 

May it guide your actions hour by hour 

And connect you with your love, your joy, your power.