Thanksgiving… Offended Much?

Thanksgiving and sunrise are approaching and my thoughts wander. Need coffee, perspective, vision. Maybe in that order, maybe not.

I want to be known more for what I support than what I oppose.
I want to put more energy into affirming good than decrying evil.
I want to support unity more than critique differences.
I want to take less offense and give more tolerance.

I choose to exude gratitude rather than radiate condemnation.
I choose to celebrate blessings rather than denounce scarcity.
I choose to see beauty amongst evil rather than thorns dominating blooms.
I choose to speak and stand with honor and respect rather than sit and gripe with disdain and derision.

I am thankful to live in a country that provides freedom, though imperfect. One that allows success, no matter how hard-fought. One that allows diversity, even though faulty.
I am blessed with a family that loves me fully and imperfectly, supports me lavishly, and corrects me gently.
I am indebted to my Savior Who forgives my every sin, Who forgets them all forever, Who sculpts and cuts with my permission to remove more of me from myself every day.

As this year nears its end, a year when so many have chosen to selectively focus on wrongs rather than generously promoting rights, I fear that we are in grave danger of becoming that which we judge and vilify. I challenge us to become seekers of beauty, models of grace and forgiveness, heroes of affirmation, and servants of all.

God bless us all this Thanksgiving with more… well… thanksgiving!