Thanksgiving Day in the USA and territories

If you got up this morning feeling more healthy than sick, then you are luckier than 1 million of other humans who will be dead by next week.

If you never fought in a war, were never in a prison, have never been tortured, and have never felt the agony of constant hunger, then you are luckier than 500 million of other fellows living in this world.

If you can freely practice your religion without the threat of prison or death, then you are happier than 3 million others.

If you have food in your fridge, have clothing to wear, a roof over your head and a place to lay your head, you are wealthier than 75% of other people.

If you have a bank account, some money in your wallet you belong to the to 8% of the wealthiest people in the world.

 
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (UNCTAD)
 
-o-
 
Psalm 118
 
1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!
2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."
3 Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."
4 Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
6* With the LORD on my side I do not fear. What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
12 They surrounded me like bees, they blazed* like a fire of thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! 13 I was pushed hard, * so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
15 Hark, glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!"
17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.
18 The LORD has chastened me sorely, but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank thee that thou hast answered me and hast become my salvation.
22* The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25* Save us, we beseech thee, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech thee, give us success!
26 Blessed be he who enters in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.
27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar!
28 Thou art my God, and I will give thanks to thee; thou art my God, I will extol thee.
29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!
 
-o-
 
This year, just about everyone is feeling the pressures of the sad economic times, job losses and great difficulty finding new employment, etc. It's easy to feel stressed, anxious, and even depressed. But there is much to be thankful for: family, friends, our Faith, God's blessings and love for us... There are many people that spend this American holiday by themselves, alone. Even if you're not able to share a meal with them, consider contacting them, call them on the phone and wish them a day full of God's graces and blessings. You will brighten their day and share in the true spirit of thanksgiving: "O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!" Hapy Thanksgiving Day!